£5 million recovery fund for Edinburgh Princes Street fire pledged by Scottish Government

Edinburgh will receive up to £5 million in support to support the recovery of the fire-hit building on Princes Street.

The announcement comes ahead of Deputy First Minister Jenny Gilruth’s meeting with City of Edinburgh Council leader Jane Meagher on Wednesday (August 5). Ms Gilruth and Ms Meagher will tour the fire hit site before the meeting.

Part of Princes Street still remains closed to the pubic and traffic after a fire broke out in the former Debenhams building

The support package will assist in the recovery from the fire – which destroyed the former Debenhams store on July 9. Administered by the council, it will include support to incentivise and assist with travel around the city, acknowledging the concerns of businesses facing reduced footfall after the closure on Princes Street, in particular along the tram route to Leith and Newhaven.

It will also provide assistance to help secure the site and make the building safe to facilitate the reopening of Princes Street, as well as support for festival operators forced to relocate.

Jenny Gilruth will meet with council leader Jane Meagher today

The Deputy First Minister has also confirmed that work is underway with Highland Council to finalise the financial support that the Scottish Government will provide for recovery from the Cairngorms fire.

Ms Gilruth said: “This fire has caused widespread difficulties in Edinburgh, not just in the city centre but extending north into Leith and Newhaven, as business and commuters adjust to the disruption caused by the fire.

“The Scottish Government has been determined from the start to ensure that we are ready to support the council in assisting those affected and the funding being set out today will help to keep the city moving and to adapt, while also enabling long term recovery.

“The impact in the capital has been significant at a time when the August festivals are getting underway. The Scottish Government is committed to working urgently with partners to ensure there is the fullest possible recovery, including the reopening of Princes Street as soon as is safely possible.”

Council Leader Jane Meagher called the move a “significant step” in Edinburgh’s recovery from the fire – as she welcomed the Scottish Government’s announcement.

She added: “Whilst I remain acutely aware of the impact that this is having across the city each and every day, I hope that this news can bring some comfort to our residents, businesses and visitors. The city is very much open, and I’d encourage everyone to support our fantastic local businesses as the festivals begin later this week.

Cllr Meagher reiterated the “complexity of the remedial work” currently being undertaken on the site.

She said: “We’re continuing to do everything within our power to reopen Princes Street as soon as it’s safe to do so. The complexity of the remedial work cannot be understated, with specialists working, mostly by hand, under extremely challenging circumstances.

“I’d also urge people to continue to plan ahead and allow extra time for their journeys.

“I was encouraged by my conversations with the Deputy First Minister today and we’ll continue to work alongside the Scottish Government and our partners in our collective response to this incredibly difficult issue.”

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