Princes Street may be re-opening this weekend, but the blame game at Edinburgh City Chambers is in full swing.
A debate at Thursday’s full council meeting about July’s fire and the council’s response turned ugly, as SNP and Labour councillors launched acerbic attacks across the chamber.
The Liberal Democrats, Scottish Greens, and Labour had agreed to a composite motion outlining a wide-ranging inquiry into the council’s response to the fire and crucially, how the city’s transport network could be made more resilient in the future.
However, the SNP moved an amendment which criticised the Labour administration over a lack of “direct communication” with affected businesses and residents.
Thursday’s row began during Councillor Jane Meagher’s regular leader’s report, when SNP group leader Lesley Macinnes asked if the Labour councillor would apologise to businesses affected by the seven-week transport disruption.
“While I'm absolutely delighted to hear of the proposed reopening on Saturday, active and responsible leadership is instrumental in how this city experiences the impact that has been visited upon it,” Councillor Macinnes said.
“Given the serious impact of the Princes Street fire on businesses and residents across Edinburgh … will the council leader apologise for that impact and the earlier lack of clarity in progress and information being provided to those who have been so seriously affected?
“I regret the disparaging remarks you made about all those activities,” Councillor Meagher retorted, “because I think it is unseemly.
“I am proud of the fact that nobody was hurt as a consequence of us not putting safety first.”
Princes Street is due to reopen on Saturday following seven weeks of disruption after the fire at the former Debenhams building in the early hours of July 9.
Trams are expected to serve the east and north of the city for the first time in nearly two months.
During the subsequent debate, Councillor Macinnes again raised the issue.
“I asked if the council leader would apologise to the city,” she said. “She took it personally, it wasn’t meant personally. It was supposed to highlight how we lead the city forward and facilitate change in how we deal with emergency circumstances.
“I wonder if she will accept the characterisation that came from Argonaut Books on Leith Walk. They have accused the council of being asleep at the wheel having experienced a 35% drop in sales.”
SNP councillor Adam Nols-McVey similarly lambasted his Labour counterparts, saying there “had been a total lack of an emergency mentality from the council’s political leadership”.
