Princes Street to fully reopen after Debenhams fire
Princes Street is set to fully reopen this weekend following last month's major fire at the former Debenhams building.
Buses and trams are expected to return to the street on Saturday, 29 August, while pedestrian access between Castle Street and Frederick Street will be restored for the first time since 9 July.
Subject to successful overnight testing on Friday, Edinburgh Trams will resume services along its full route between Edinburgh Airport and Newhaven, while city centre bus diversions will come to an end.
Three eastbound bus stops between Castle Street and Frederick Street will remain closed, while the pavement on the north side of Princes Street will also stay shut as work continues on the fire-damaged building.
One eastbound traffic lane will instead be used as a temporary pedestrian walkway.
The former Debenhams building has undergone extensive safety work over the past seven weeks, including stabilising its front façade with steel beams and securing its eastern gable.
Several tonnes of bricks, stonework and other dangerous material have also been removed.
The closure has caused significant disruption across Edinburgh, particularly for businesses in Leith, The Shore and Newhaven following the suspension of trams through the city centre.
Council leader Jane Meagher said the reopening was a "significant step in the city's recovery" from the fire.
She added: "This has been an incredibly difficult few weeks for the city, not least given the timing, and I'm pleased that we can now turn our attention to getting Edinburgh back to normal."
Sarah Boyd, Chief Executive of Lothian Buses and Edinburgh Trams, said teams were focused on reinstating services and thanked passengers for their patience during the disruption.
Passengers are being advised to check the latest travel information before making their journeys this weekend.