A historic building on Princes Street in Edinburgh has been gutted in a fire which broke out in the early hours of the morning.
Emergency services were called to the old Debenhams building in the city centre at 2.52am on Thursday.
Firefighters remained at the scene several hours later dampening down hotspots after largely extinguishing the blaze.
The roof and top floors of the disused B-listed building have been destroyed, with the rest of the structure left blackened and charred on the inside.
Seven fire engines and three specialist appliances were on the scene at the height of the incident.
The Scottish Fire and Rescue Service said four fire engines and two height appliances remained in attendance by 11am.
Pictures posted on social media during the night showed flames and plumes of smoke rising from the area.
There were no reports of any injuries.
Firefighters are expected to be at the scene for some time and large parts of Princes Street have been cordoned off.
A spokesperson for the fire service said crews worked through the early hours of Thursday to contain and extinguish the flames.
They added: “Drivers and pedestrians are advised to avoid the area and road closures are in place.”
Passers-by spoke of their sadness over the incident.
Robert Murphy, 72, used to work in the River Island shop which was next to former department store Jenners.
He said the potential loss of the old Debenhams building was a “tragedy”, adding: “Sometimes I would go next door to Debenhams, I was impressed with the quality. The building was just really nice.
“It was on the same lines as Jenners. They seem to be getting replaced with concrete and glass – cheaper looking buildings.”
Graham Reed, 59, from Edinburgh, said: “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, 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.
It was acquired by Criterion Capital which had announced plans to turn it into its first Zedwell hotel in Scotland.
A Criterion Capital spokesperson said: “In respect of the fire at the former Debenhams building on Princes Street, Edinburgh, in the early hours of this morning, our immediate priority is the safety of everyone involved.
“There have been no reported injuries, and we are very grateful to the emergency services for their swift response and professionalism.
“This building is an important and historic part of Edinburgh’s city centre, and we continue to liaise with the emergency services and relevant authorities.”
The city council said some residents were evacuated overnight and warned there will be ongoing disruption in the area.
Council leader Jane Meagher said: “I’m relieved to hear that nobody has been hurt, and grateful for the swift response of the emergency services, who prevented this devastating fire becoming far worse.
“Once the area has been made safe, we will fully assess the condition of the building and consider next steps.
“I hope that local residents who were evacuated during the night will be able to return home soon.
“I’d urge people to continue to avoid the area for the time being, plan for ongoing disruption and follow all advice from the emergency services and transport operators.”