Following a meeting between the Deputy First Minister and the Edinburgh Council Leader at the site of the Princes Street blaze, there has been a degree of political fallout. The council leader, Cllr Jane Meagher, said she thought it “shameful” that the First Minister had not come to see the damage for himself. An SNP group spokesperson said: “We have not yet received a concrete response from the Council Leader to this proposal.” We look forward to continuing to work constructively with the Council to support local businesses and residents.” Wednesday 5th August 2026 Deputy First Minister Jenny Gilruth visits the site of the Princes Street fire along with City of Edinburgh Council leader Jane Meagher.