Jenners fire: Critically ill firefighter is named

Firefighter Barry Martin, 38, remains in Edinburgh Royal Infirmary with serious injuries

A firefighter who is critically ill in hospital following a fire at the former Jenner's department store has been named as Barry Martin.

The Scottish Fire and Rescue Service said the 38-year-old from Fife was still in Edinburgh Royal Infirmary with serious injuries.

Four other firefighters were treated in hospital after the blaze and have now been discharged.

Dozens of emergency service crews were sent to the fire on Monday.

A police officer was also treated for smoke inhalation in the hospital before being released.

At its height, 22 fire appliances were at the scene, with more than 100 firefighters working to tackle what Interim Chief Officer Ross Haggart has described as a "serious and complex fire".

• Firefighter critically injured in Jenners blaze in Edinburgh

• Firefighters battle blaze at Jenners building

He added: "Our thoughts are very much with Barry and his family, and indeed with all of our colleagues who were injured in responding to this incident.

"We continue to provide all possible support to our colleagues and their families, as well as all staff involved.

"We are liaising with appropriate partners to ensure a full and thorough investigation is undertaken into this incident."

Interim Chief Officer Haggart added his thanks to his "dedicated crews and staff for their professionalism in responding to this challenging incident".

The Fire Brigades Union (FBU) Scotland issued a statement which said its officials were "already addressing this incident and together with FBU head office are making urgent arrangements on the immediate steps required".

Two of the other firefighters who were taken to hospital were treated for smoke inhalation, and two were treated for burns.

One fire engine remains in attendance at the landmark building to monitor for potential hotspots.

An investigation into the cause of the fire is ongoing.

The east end of Rose Street is still closed between South St David Street and Rose Street Lane North, while two nearby business premises on Rose Street also remain shut.

The building is owned by property firm AAA United, which is renovating the site.

Director Anders Krogh Vogdrup told BBC Scotland the owners were "devastated" about the fire.

"Our thoughts and appreciation are with the rescue team," he said.

Mr Vogdrup added that initial investigations indicated only "very localised damage" in the lower north side of the building.

"The overall building is intact, but we still await further investigations over the following days which will reveal the total extent of the damage," he said.

The owners described the blaze as a "temporary setback" in the project to refurbish the building.

Founded in 1838, the Jenners building was one of the oldest department stores in the world until it closed.

It has been undergoing a restoration which was due to take four years. Under the plan, disused rooms in the six-storey building are due to be made into a hotel.

Speaking to the BBC on Tuesday, Edinburgh City Council leader Cammy Day said: "I'm sure I say this on behalf of the whole city, that our thoughts are with the firefighters who risked their lives to save the building and save the people around the city as well, so our thoughts are with their families."

He said the council would assess the building's structural integrity, adding: "That is a question we don't have the answer to yet."