Potential financial support will be on the table as the Deputy First Minister meets the leader of Edinburgh City Council next week on the recovery from the Princes Street fire.
The Government announced on Friday that Jenny Gilruth will meet with Jane Meagher following a major fire on one of the city’s busiest streets.
The blaze broke out on July 9 in the old Debenhams department store and gutted much of the building, causing significant disruption across Edinburgh.
A portion of Princes Street remains closed off to the public due to safety concerns while tram services have been suspended between the city centre to Leith and Newhaven.
Ahead of the meeting, Ms Gilruth said in a statement that “financial assistance” will be discussed.
“I am acutely aware of the major difficulties faced by city-centre commuters, businesses and tourists in the aftermath of the fire – particularly as Edinburgh prepares for the August festivals,” she said.
“The Scottish Government has been working with City of Edinburgh Council and other partners to deliver the immediate priorities of ensuring the public’s safety while minimising and reducing disruption.
“I welcome the quick action taken to support festival organisers given the diversions along George Street.
“I am firmly committed to working urgently with partners to ensure there is the fullest possible recovery in what is the heart of the capital.
“I will also be meeting with the council leader next week to make clear what further support ministers can provide, including financial assistance, to help alleviate the situation.”
The announcement comes as local Liberal Democrat MSP Sanne Dijkstra-Downie wrote to the First Minister, highlighting the £10 million support package offered to Glasgow after the Union Street fire.
She said: “Indeed, within a week of the Glasgow Union Corner fire breaking out, the Scottish Government announced this financial package. The response was extremely swift.
“Three weeks on from the Princes Street fire, no similar or equivalent package of support has been offered from your Government.”
She added: “The Princes Street fire has dealt a heavy blow to businesses across the city, including for those as far away as Leith and Newhaven.
“To make matters worse, there seems to be no help incoming from the Government. Neither the First Minister nor his Government have even bothered to share any updates or information on social media about it.
“The council are trying their very best, and they can only reopen Princes Street and tram services when it’s safe to do so, but they need to be properly supported, just as the council and businesses in Glasgow were following the Union Corner fire.
“We are just days away from the festival beginning, one of the most important seasons for businesses and venues across the capital.
“The Scottish Government must urgently support the council and businesses in getting back on their feet, and seizing the opportunities of the busy weeks ahead.”
Council leader Jane Meagher said: “I welcome the fact that the Scottish Government have finally agreed to get around the table and look at what support they can offer during this incredibly challenging time for our city.
“I’m looking forward to meeting the Deputy First Minister next week and working together in the collective interests of our residents, visitors and businesses.”
