Princes Street Set to Fully Reopen on August 29 After July Fire

Edinburgh’s main thoroughfare will reopen on August 29, 2026, marking the end of a seven-week closure that began when a major fire broke out on July 9 at the former Debenham’s building. The shutdown forced bus routes onto diversions and limited tram services to the western part of the city, reducing footfall for businesses during the peak Edinburgh Festival Fringe period.

BBC News

The blaze forced the closure of pedestrian access between Castle and Frederick Streets and halted eastbound tram and bus services. Business owners on the northern tram corridor, including those in Newhaven, Leith and The Shore, reported significant revenue loss during the normally lucrative festival season. The Scottish government allocated £5 million to aid recovery, enabling some firms to offset lost earnings.

Princes Street to fully reopen on Saturday after major fire

Over the past seven weeks, engineers stabilised the building’s front façade with steel beams, lowered the eastern gable by roughly two metres, and installed scaffolding for support. Several tonnes of bricks and unsafe stonework—some blocks weighing up to 850 kg—were removed and stored for possible reuse. Additional debris and hazardous materials were cleared. Structural engineers warned that the building’s “fragile state” made vehicle passage, including trams, unsafe until remedial work was completed. Subject to successful testing, trams will resume the full Airport-to-Newhaven route and city-centre bus diversions will end, though the north-side pavement will stay closed and one eastbound lane will serve as a temporary pedestrian walkway.

Princes Street nears reopening following major fire

She highlighted ongoing support for affected businesses through direct engagement and a promotional campaign. Sarah Boyd, Chief Executive for Lothian and Edinburgh Trams, thanked customers for their patience and emphasized the collaboration among emergency services, the council and transport operators that enabled the safe return of services.

Princes Street to fully reopen on Saturday after major fire

• “With that in mind, I’m pleased that our business support campaign ‘More by the Shore’ is taking shape – and will soon be encouraging more residents and visitors to explore Leith, the Shore and Newhaven, and visit the fantastic local businesses there. This activity is planned to run well beyond the reopening of Princes Street, over the festive period and into the new year.” — Sarah Boyd, Chief Executive for Lothian and Edinburgh Trams

Princes Street to fully reopen on Saturday after major fire