Major fire reported at café on George IV Bridge where JK Rowling wrote Harry Potter

 A major fire has broken out on George IV Bridge in the Old Town.

Eyewitnesses have reported that the fire is at The Elephant Café – the famous café on the bridge where JK Rowling is known to have wrote some of the Harry Potter books.

Others have said the Patisserie Valerie in the same building is also on fire.

They are both in between Frankenstein’s bar and where the bridge crosses Merchant Street.

George IV Bridge is now completely closed from Greyfriars Bobby (next to the National Museum of Scotland) up to the Royal Mile whilst firefighters and other emergency services deal with the fire.

Image credits: Monica De Oliveira

It is not yet known how the fire started, if anyone has been hurt, or how bad the fire is inside the building.

The fire is also likely to affect businesses directly below the bridge on Candlemaker Row, Cowgate, and the Grassmarket too.

The Central Library nearby is reportedly closed today and Lothian Buses are diverting the 23, 27, and 2 services away from the area.

Scottish Fire and Rescue have tweeted: “We are currently in attendance at a large fire at George IV Bridge Edinburgh. The alarm was raised at 6.18am. Nearby residents advised to keep windows & doors closed. Road closures in place. See @EdinPolSE & @edintravel for traffic advice and please avoid the area”

If you have any more information or pictures of the fire on George IV Bridge, please DM us on @TheTabEdinburgh on Instagram 

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