Firefighters are tackling a blaze which has extensively damaged a historic building on Princes Street in Edinburgh.
Emergency services were called to the fire at the old Debenhams building in the city centre at 2.52am on Thursday.
The roof and top floors of the disused B-listed building have been destroyed by the blaze, with the rest of the structure left blackened and charred on the inside.
The Scottish Fire and Rescue Service said seven fire engines and three specialist appliances were on the scene at 6.45am.
Pictures posted on social media during the night show flames and plumes of smoke rising from the area.
There were no reports of any injuries.
Large parts of Princes Street have been cordoned off as firefighters tackle the blaze.
Firefighters are expected to be at the scene for some time.
A spokesperson for the fire service said crews worked through the early hours of Thursday to contain and extinguish the flames.
They added: “Crews continue to extinguish and dampen down hotspots and will be in attendance for some time.
“Drivers and pedestrians are advised to avoid the area and road closures are in place
Passers-by spoke of their sadness over the incident.
Graham Reed, 59, from Edinburgh, said: “It’s such a shame. It’s an iconic building, and it’s such a shame that yet another one’s gone up in flames on Princes Street.
“It’s just a shame to see it because we lost a couple, there was one down in Jenners as well that went up in flames a few years back.
“It’s a shame it happens.”
Another man, who gave his name as Sotirs, 36, and was on his way to work in Edinburgh, said: “I feel sad because it looks like a classic building and I feel bad because they make the city much more beautiful and it’s a nice building.”
Tram services in the area have been disrupted and some bus services have been diverted.
Edinburgh Trams said trams are running a part route from Edinburgh Airport to the West End only.
It said ticket acceptance is in place with ScotRail between Edinburgh Gateway and Edinburgh Waverley (St Andrew Square) and on Lothian Buses between the West End and Newhaven.
Lothian Buses said some services in the area have been diverted.
Police have put road closures in place and have urged the public to avoid the area.
The building at 109 Princes Street dates back to 1869 and was originally called the Palace Hotel.
The Debenhams branch closed in May 2021 following another fire at the premises the previous month. Plans were made to turn the building into a hotel.