Princes Street fire: Ben Macpherson writes to Scottish Government over Leith transport disruption

An Edinburgh MSP has written to the Scottish Government to ask whether extra support similar to that which was offered to Glasgow after the devastating Union Street fire will be extended to the Capital.

It comes after a devastating blaze ripped through the historic former Debenhams building on Princes Street on Thursday, July 9. The busy thoroughfare has been closed since the incident, with Edinburgh council having warned that the closure could remain “into August”.

Around 50 bus services have been diverted and Edinburgh Trams are only able to run between Edinburgh Airport and West End as a result of the closure.

Now, in a letter to First Minister John Swinney, Edinburgh North Eastern and Leith MSP Ben Macpherson called on the Scottish Government to provide “additional assistance” to the organisations involved in dealing with the aftermath of the fire.

Edinburgh North Eastern and Leith MSP Ben Macpherson has written to the Scottish Government asking if support will be given to Edinburgh following last Thursday’s fire

He said: “While public safety must remain the overriding priority, I would be grateful if consideration could be given to what additional assistance the Scottish Government may be able to provide at this time to City of Edinburgh Council, Edinburgh Trams, Lothian Buses, local businesses, the Edinburgh Festivals and other affected parties.

“I know the council want to ensure the building is made safe as quickly as possible, allowing Princes Street to reopen at the earliest opportunity, and would welcome any potential support and assistance the Scottish Government may be able to give this.”

He also asked the First Minister whether support could be given to Lothian Buses to put on more temporary services between Leith and the city centre.

He added: “The Scottish Government’s support for the City of Glasgow in March after their fire has been raised by constituents who have contacted me, enquiring as to whether Edinburgh and affected stakeholders may receive a similarly helpful support plan.”

The Evening News previously reported that businesses in Leith are lobbying for support in a bid to negate any impact of the trams not running.

“We're actively trying to engage with Lothian Buses as well to see if there's a way that we could increase frequency on the 16 and the 35, or if there's even a way to put another temporary service on from the Omni Centre to the Shore to balance out not having the tram in place.”

The Scottish Government has been approach for comment.