I'm surprised nobody's posted about this yet.<BR><BR>A huge fire broke out on Edinburgh's Cowgate in the heart of the Old Town on Saturday night. For those who know the area, it is believed to have started above La Belle Angele. It quickly spread and, although well under control, even now still isn't completely out. About 150 people were evacuated from their homes, and nobody was injured except for one fireman who hurt his knee.<BR><BR>Amongst the notable damage was the Fringe venue the Guilded Balloon, which was totally destroyed, as was Edinburgh University's centre on artificial intelligence. The building was listed, meaning that any repairs must keep it in the same character as before, but engineers believe that some of it will have to be demolished.<BR><BR>For the full story, try the Scotsman website:<BR><BR>http://www.thescotsman.co.uk/paperboy.cfm?id=1368182002

To the top for Douglas.<BR><BR>By the way, the Scotsman website seems to be down, so try the BBC instead:<BR><BR>news.bbc.co.uk/scotland

Also try www.theherald.co.uk. Lots of narrative, few pictures.

This is terrible news! I visited Edinburgh last year and fell in love with it. How is this going to change the character of the old city now? <BR><BR>Thanks for the heads up, Keith!

Randy, I won't dignify your comments with a response.<BR><BR>Rebecka, it's bad but fortunately not as bad as it could have been. Although the buildings were listed, they weren't the really important ones and thanks to the fire brigade the flames didn't spread to the more significant areas of the Royal Mile and they also managed to save Adam House behind.<BR><BR>The Lord Provost has described the fire as leaving &quot;a gaping hole in the heart of the city.&quot; Pretty much all the buildings will have to be demolished, but the council are promising to rebuild them as they are using the original facades where possible, apparently regardless of the cost.<BR><BR>For me, it's sad because I remember going to pubs in that area when I started going out with my wife as a student.

I wonder if Bannermans is gone - vast old pub with vaulted rooms. It is in the Cowgate deep under South Bridge I think.<BR>Anyone know? I like that place.

If it's under South Bridge it should be OK. I'm going down tomorrow and, given the chance will post with further news.

Hi,<BR>Bannermans is fine - closed at the moment, due to the demolition which has started near it, but it is OK.<BR>

I'm posting from my hotel on the High Street.idge are The damage is pretty awaful where it has happened and the Cowgate and the South Bridge are closed to traffic. The building on the west side of the South Bridge is leaning over and looks like it could fall at any time.<BR><BR>The main tourist area is unaffected apart from traffic difficulties