Minister to discuss financial support over Princes Street fire

The deputy first minister is to meet the leader of City of Edinburgh Council to discuss potential financial support in the wake of a fire that closed a large section of Princes Street.

Tram services have been suspended and buses diverted away from the city's main thoroughfare following the blaze at the former Debenhams store earlier this month.

The local authority said the closure would remain in place for at least another three weeks during Edinburgh's traditional festival season.

Jenny Gilruth said she acknowledged the "major difficulties" affecting commuters, businesses and tourists - adding she would lay out what "additional support" could be provided.

A joint probe into the cause of the fire involving Police Scotland and the Scottish Fire and Rescue Service (SFRS) is ongoing.

The Scottish government previously committed to a £10m package to support Glasgow city centre's recovery from a fire that wrecked part of Union Street in March.

Businesses in Leith had called for similar support to be put in place following a decline in footfall caused by tram services being unable to run to the east end.

Gilruth said she was "acutely aware" of the issues resulting from the fire.

She said she would meet council leader Jane Meagher next week, adding: "The Scottish government has been working with City of Edinburgh Council and other partners to deliver the immediate priorities of ensuring the public's safety while minimising and reducing disruption.

"I will meet with the council leader next week to make clear what further support ministers can provide, including financial assistance, to help alleviate the situation."

Tram services are currently only running between Edinburgh Airport and Shandwick Place.

Buses have been diverted onto George Street, causing delays for commuters.

It also prompted Assembly, one of Edinburgh's largest festival operators, to relocate some of its programme to St Andrew Square.

The council said the building's "fragile state" meant it was not safe for vehicles or trams to pass, even at low speeds.

Lothian Buses and Edinburgh Trams said suggestions that some trams could be transported by road to Leith to run between Newhaven and York Place were "not considered a practical option".

A cordon around the B-listed 19th century building was reduced on Friday to allow the reopening of a branch of Boots.

The building was in the process of being turned into Scotland's first Zedwell hotel by real estate firm Criterion Capital at the time of the fire on 9 July.

A spokesperson said it would "inappropriate to comment or speculate" on the building's future while the fire investigation was ongoing.

The council said a steel frame was being installed "reinforce the façade" and vehicles would be able to pass once that was completed.

The local authority said work to erect that was dependent on weather conditions and wind speeds remaining low to allow cranes to operate.

They added investigations had found an original Victorian staircase and the stained-glass windows memorial to former Prime Minister Benjamin Disraeli, dating from the 1880s, survived the blaze.

Council leader Jane Meagher said: "I welcome the fact that the Scottish government have finally agreed to get around the table and look at what support they can offer during this incredibly challenging time for our city.

"I'm looking forward to meeting the deputy first minister next week and working together in the collective interests of our residents, visitors and businesses."