Edinburgh bomb scare: Princes Street and Waverley Station closed after police deal with suspicious package

A bomb squad was called to Edinburgh’s city centre last night (10 November), after police were alerted to a suspicious bag left on Princes Street, the main shopping thoroughfare.

Our sister title the Edinburgh Evening News reported that police were called to the Scottish capital’s busy retail area after being alerted to a man acting suspiciously. Officers found a bag nearby, and quickly cordoned off the area.

An Explosive Ordnance Disposal team was called to Princes Street to deal with the package. One eyewitness spotted three bomb disposal units near the Harvey Nichols department store on St Andrew Square.

The street was closed to pedestrians and traffic. Several Lothian Buses services were diverted away from the area due to the road closure.

Waverley Station was evacuated and trains were not running for a time. Rail operator Scotrail later tweeted: “Following the police dealing with an incident at Edinburgh Waverley a few minutes ago, all lines have now reopened. We’re sorry if your service was cancelled or you’ve experienced a delay to your journey.”

Nearby hotels and the McDonalds in Waverley Market were also evacuated. Another eyewitness said: “I had just got down into Waverley and was eating a McDonalds when we were told we had to get out. We didn’t get anymore information than that, we just had to leave.”

A Police Scotland spokesperson said: “Around 5.30pm on Thursday, 10 November, 2022 officers were called to Princes Street, Edinburgh to a report of a man was acting suspiciously. A bag was later found nearby and a cordon has been put in place as a precaution. Officers are in attendance and have called EOD.”

In an update this morning (11 November), Police Scotland said: “Princes Street in Edinburgh is now re-opened. Thanks to the public for their patience while we dealt with the incident.”