Edinburgh’s Princes Street will fully reopen on Saturday, 29 August, reinstating full tram services between Newhaven and the West End just in time for Tabletop Scotland at the Royal Highland Centre.
The transport shutdown began on 9 July when an intense fire gutted the B-listed former Debenhams building at 109–112 Princes Street. The blaze severed the city’s central tram corridor throughout the Edinburgh Festival Fringe due to risks that traffic vibrations would collapse the remaining stonework into the street. Following seven weeks of emergency engineering work, including the removal of tons of unstable masonry and the installation of structural steel bracing across the façade, City of Edinburgh Council confirmed the route will resume service on Saturday morning.
Heritage Lost and the Threat to Listed Buildings
The gutted site holds considerable architectural pedigree. Originally constructed in 1869 by architect John Lessels in the French Renaissance style, the property opened as the Palace Hotel; the first building in Edinburgh to feature a Parisian-style mansard roof. Over its lifespan, it housed high-profile political institutions, including the Scottish Liberal Club and the Scottish Conservative Club (with additions designed by Robert Rowand Anderson), as well as cabinet makers John Taylor and Sons. Debenhams took over the address during the late 20th century before its 2021 closure, and the building was undergoing conversion work for a new hotel when the fire broke out.
Major blazes in disused listed properties often trigger severe heritage outcomes. When fire ravages the structural envelope of a protected building, safety authorities frequently have to order emergency partial or total demolitions under building control statutes. This legal mechanism supersedes standard listed building consent to protect the public from uncontrolled collapse. In many historical cases across the UK, fires that reduce protected structures to precarious shells ultimately leave commercial developers with cleared land, completely bypassing the strict conservation protections that previously blocked full redevelopment. Conservation bodies, including Edinburgh World Heritage and the Cockburn Association, have called for the remaining Princes Street façade to be preserved and restored rather than torn down.
Tram Routes and the Walk to Highland Hall
The reopening of the full line allows convention attendees travelling from Leith or the city centre to catch a single tram straight west. However, navigating the arrival at the venue requires practical planning to avoid unnecessary transport fees.
- Alight at Ingliston Park & Ride: The tram stop immediately preceding the airport is Ingliston Park & Ride. Getting off here avoids the dedicated airport ticket surcharge and costs standard city zone rates.
- Northbound Tram Path: From the platform, walk north along the pedestrian path parallel to the tracks, leaving the car park to your left.
- Fairview Road Route: Turn left onto Fairview Road, walking westward past the airport fence line toward the showground perimeter.
- North Gate Entrance: Follow the path to the Royal Highland Centre’s North Gate pedestrian entrance.
- Highland Hall: Once through the gate, walk directly forward into Highland Hall, where Tabletop Scotland is based.
Sponsor Pitstop: Thistle Tavern
For attendees looking to pick up supplies before reaching the hall, Thistle Tavern, an official sponsor of both Geek Native and Tabletop Scotland, sits right on the tram line at 79 Shandwick Place (EH2 4SD). Situated mere steps from the West End tram stop, the retail shop offers board games, card games, and tabletop accessories, making it a convenient stop before boarding the tram west.
Photo by Eric Veiga on Unsplash.
Tabletop Scotland 2026 Coverage
Our thanks to Thistle Tavern for sponsoring our coverage of Tabletop Scotland. Visit their spacious store at 79 Shandwick Pl, Edinburgh for a huge selection of wargames, board games, and TCGs.
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- Dates: 4th to 6th September 2026
- Location: Royal Highland Centre, Edinburgh
