Edinburgh Council leader Jane Meagher has claimed the SNP government had favoured Glasgow in its offer of support for businesses damaged by fire in two devastating fires.
Ms Meagher said politics had played a part after Deputy First Minister Jenny Gilruth awarded funding for those affected by the Princes Street that was half the sum given to help Glasgow recover from a blaze.
Mr Gilruth insisted a £5 million government package would be sufficient to help businesses suffering from the fire in the former Debenhams store on 9 July.
Businesses affected by the Union Corner fire in Glasgow received a share of £10m. “The circumstances are different,” she said. “Businesses in Glasgow were forced to close down. That is not the case here.”
However, Ms Meagher expressed her belief that politics had played a part in the government favouring SNP-run Glasgow.
“I’m disappointed that Glasgow seems to be more highly valued, in a sense, than we are,” she said. “But we are where we are. I’m grateful that we’ve got some money, and we’ll use it to serve the city of Edinburgh.
“I do think it’s a disappointing signifier of the esteem, or the importance, that Glasgow has over Edinburgh. It’s hard not to think that it might be political. If you look at where the support for the Scottish National Party lies, I think that answers your question.”
The fire has left a blackened facade which is now being made safe. Ms Gilruth said this would be quicker than demolition.
However, it will be a further three weeks before the street is fully reopened and trams allowed to resume journeys between the west end and Newhaven.
Many businesses in Leith say the closure is hitting trade at a particularly busy time of the year as thousands of tourists arrive for the festival.
Ms Gilruth rejected suggestions that the government had been slow to respond. “The council asked for help on 17 July and we have been in discussions ever since,” she said.
The schedule means Princes Street will remain closed for the entirety of the festival. “I can’t do anything about that,” said Ms Meagher, adding that safety was her primary concern.
She also confirmed that the council is in talks with the three owners of the buildings affected to ascertain their responsibility for repairs and any unpaid bills.
The government funding will be administered by the council over the coming weeks to help businesses and will also help secure the site, make the building safe, and support festival operators forced to relocate.
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.”
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