Scottish firefighters were today battling to contain a blaze which has devastated part of Edinburgh's historic Old Town more than 12 hours since it first broke out.
The fire, which has caused damage running into millions of pounds, started shortly before8.15 p.m. last night above a nightclub just off Cowgate.
About 150 people were evacuated from residential and commercial premises on various street levels of the Old Town, a popular thoroughfare for weekend revellers, which has been declared a World Heritage site.
More than 80 firefighters were today still tackling the blaze and fire crews from areas around the city were drafted in to help.
The firefighters were working hard to prevent the fire from spreading to other buildings in the area, including Adam House, one most historically and architecturally significant buildings in the city.
More than 10 separate commercial buildings have been damaged by the fire, many of them gutted. Mr Graham Torrie, senior divisional officer for Lothian and Borders Fire Brigade, said: "There is still a risk that the fire will spread to other parts of the complex of buildings on Chambers Street and South Street.
"Efforts are being concentrated on stopping the fire from spreading to Adam House, which is used by the University of Edinburgh," he added.
PA