Edinburgh Princes Street reopens August 29 after fire

Princes Street in Edinburgh will fully reopen to traffic and pedestrians on Saturday, August 29, marking a significant milestone in the city's recovery from a major fire that disrupted the central thoroughfare for seven weeks. The reopening, announced by City of Edinburgh Council leader Jane Meagher, comes two days ahead of the originally planned date of August 31. Pedestrian access will be restored between Castle Street and Frederick Street for the first time since the fire at the former Debenhams building on July 9.

The reopening follows extensive remedial work to secure the damaged building and make the area safe. Testing is scheduled to take place overnight on Friday, August 28, to ensure the street is ready for full use. Subject to successful testing, Lothian Buses and Edinburgh Trams will resume their services along the corridor. Trams will run their full route from Edinburgh Airport to Newhaven, and all city centre bus diversions will end. However, some temporary arrangements will remain in place as work continues. The pavement on the north side of Princes Street will stay closed, with one lane of the eastbound carriageway used as a temporary pedestrian walkway. Three...