Up to £5 million will be made available to support Edinburgh's recovery from the fire at the former Debenhams on Princes Street, which broke out on 9 July.

Deputy First Minister Jenny Gilruth toured the site this morning before meeting City of Edinburgh Council leader Jane Meagher. The package, to be administered by the council, will include measures to incentivise and assist travel around the city in response to reduced footfall following the Princes Street closure, particularly along the tram route to Leith and Newhaven.

Funding will also help secure the site and make the building safe to enable the reopening of Princes Street, alongside support for festival operators forced to relocate.

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The Deputy First Minister also confirmed work is under way with Highland Council to finalise Scottish Government financial support for recovery from the Cairngorms fire.

Ms Gilruth said: "This fire has caused widespread difficulties in Edinburgh, not just in the city centre but extending north into Leith and Newhaven, as business and commuters adjust to the disruption caused by the fire.

"The Scottish Government has been determined from the start to ensure that we are ready to support the council in assisting those affected and the funding being set out today will help to keep the city moving and to adapt, while also enabling long term recovery.

"The impact in the capital has been significant at a time when the August festivals are getting underway. The Scottish Government is committed to working urgently with partners to ensure there is the fullest possible recovery, including the reopening of Princes Street as soon as is safely possible."

Arrangements for the support package are being finalised. A substantial exclusion zone remains in place around the affected section of Princes Street due to serious concerns about the building's structural integrity. An update on support following the Cairngorms fire will follow in due course.