The Architectural Heritage Society of Scotland (AHSS) has written to the City of Edinburgh Council following the serious fire affecting 109–111 Princes Street, urging that specialist conservation engineering advice is sought before any decisions are taken about demolition.

The Society is deeply concerned by the fire, which has affected an important group of listed buildings in one of Scotland’s most prominent historic streets. Our thoughts are with everyone affected and with the emergency services responding to this challenging incident.

The building, originally constructed as the Palace Hotel to the designs of architect John Lessels in 1869, later became the Liberal Club before its upper floors were incorporated into Debenhams. It contains features of exceptional architectural significance, including what Historic Environment Scotland describes as the oldest surviving cast-iron galleried showroom of its type in Scotland, created for the cabinet makers John Taylor & Son.

While recognising that public safety must remain the immediate priority, AHSS believes it is essential that the condition of the building is assessed by a conservation-accredited structural engineer before irreversible decisions are made.

In a letter to the Council, AHSS has urged that a CARE-accredited conservation structural engineer be given the opportunity to inspect the site as soon as it is safe to do so. Such an assessment could help establish whether significant elements of the building—including the historic street façade, stone dormers, gables and surviving interior features—might be capable of stabilisation and retention.

Jocelyn Cunliffe, speaking on behalf of AHSS, said:

“We appreciate the Council’s responsibility to ensure public safety and to restore access to Princes Street as quickly as possible. However, experience has shown that specialist conservation engineering advice can identify opportunities to retain historic fabric that might otherwise be lost. We hope every effort will be made to assess what can be saved before any irreversible decisions are taken.”

Historic buildings damaged by fire can often appear beyond repair in the immediate aftermath. However, specialist assessment has, in many cases, demonstrated that substantial elements can be conserved, preserving both the historic character of the building and an important part of Scotland’s built heritage.

AHSS will continue to monitor developments and hopes that every opportunity will be taken to retain as much of this significant listed building as possible.