Historic Victorian 'treasures' feared lost in major fire at former Edinburgh Debenhams

A blaze engulfed the former Debenhams building at 109-111 Princes Street in the early hours of Thursday morning, devastating the upper floors of the Category B-listed premises.

Structural engineers assessing the burnt-out property have warned that at least the top two floors will likely have to be demolished, with lower levels also potentially at risk.

The incident has sparked calls for a full restoration of the historic building, with conservation body Edinburgh World Heritage stating it is "imperative" that as much of the original structure as possible is retained.

The Scottish Liberal Club, which once owned the property, has urged Historic Environment Scotland, the Cockburn Society and the City of Edinburgh Council to “work together towards restoring these historic buildings”.

In a joint statement, club president Lin Macmillan and convenor Faith Sutherland said: “We deeply regret the loss of 109 Princes Street and the damage to the adjoining premises.”

They confirmed a “fine bust” of former Prime Minister William Gladstone was saved after being moved into storage, but noted valuable oak panelling and other original features were left behind in the Gladstone Memorial Library, which remained a centrepiece of the store until its sale in 2023.

First opening its doors as the Palace Hotel in 1869, the building spent much of its pre-Debenhams days as the Scottish Liberal Club – a centre for political and social activity during the decades of Liberal Party dominance in Victorian Scotland.

During the creation of the Debenhams department store in the late 1970s, it merged with the neighbouring former Conservative Club. Despite the major construction project, the building retained much of its Victorian grandeur, including an ornate entrance hall, elaborate ceiling plasterwork, and the historic library.

Mike Finlayson, Debenhams store director between 1983 and 1986, said he was “deeply saddened” by images of the blaze, which showed flames erupting from his former office overlooking Edinburgh Castle.

He added: “It is a tragedy to consider that these architectural treasures have likely been lost.”

It is not the first time firefighters have been called to tackle a fire at the former Debenhams block. Five years ago, a blaze broke out at the neighbouring building at 112 Princes Street, which was also previously occupied by the now defunct department store chain.

Mr Finlayson added: “Given that this is the second fire at this location, one must ask if more rigorous care should have been taken to protect such a significant piece of the city’s heritage.”

The library, which is understood to have been on the first floor, was initially used as a boardroom by the retailer before later being opened out to shoppers, with another former employee recalling using the room to watch a fireworks display during the 1989 Edinburgh Festival.

Debenhams eventually closed its doors in May 2021, ending a 40-year legacy on the street. The ground level of the historic structure continued to house independent high street units, latterly including River Island and Levi's.

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