Welcome back to This Day in Scottish History. I'm your host, Colin MacDonald. Today, we're stepping back to the night of November 15, 1824, when one of the most destructive events in Edinburgh’s history—the Great Fire of Edinburgh—erupted. Over the next five days, flames ravaged the heart of the city, destroying hundreds of homes, businesses, and historic landmarks. This catastrophic fire not only changed Edinburgh's skyline but also led to significant advances in firefighting and urban planning in Scotland and beyond.

The Great Fire of Edinburgh began around 10 p.m. on November 15th, in James Kirkwood's engraving workshop on the second floor of Old Assembly Close. The close, a narrow alleyway off the High Street, became a deathtrap as flames spread with frightening speed through the densely packed, wooden tenements. Edinburgh's newly formed fire brigade, led by its young firemaster, James Braidwood, responded quickly. This brigade, Scotland's first permanent firefighting force, had been established only two months prior, making this fire its first real test. Equipped with the latest fire engines of the time, they arrived at the scene, but difficulties finding a water supply slowed down their response, allowing the fire to reach uncontrollable levels by 11 p.m.

In Edinburgh’s medieval Old Town, narrow closes and tightly packed multi-story buildings created the perfect environment for the blaze to spread. The fire raced down Fishmarket Close and across the roofs of High Street tenements, propelled by a southwesterly wind. By midnight, the inferno had engulfed four tenements, threatening to consume the entire area. The Tron Kirk’s spire caught fire, and molten lead from its roof began to rain down as firemen, battling flames from within the church, were forced to retreat. The Old Assembly Hall, a landmark that had lent its name to Old Assembly Close, was consumed within hours.

On Tuesday evening, just as the fire seemed under control, a second outbreak ignited on the top floor of an eleven-story building overlooking the Cowgate. This sudden resurgence added to the fire’s devastation and led many to speculate that divine punishment, or even arson, was to blame. In truth, it was likely a smoldering ember reignited by shifting winds. This secondary blaze threatened to consume Parliament Hall, the Law Courts, and nearby St. Giles Cathedral, buildings critical to Edinburgh’s civic and legal life. Throughout the night, firefighters and volunteers alike worked to save these structures, with many citizens watching from a distance, captivated by the fire’s “grand and terrific” glow.

Among the onlookers were some of Edinburgh’s most prominent figures, including law lords and other civic leaders. Young artist David Octavius Hill, who would later gain renown as a pioneer of photography, created vivid watercolors of the scene. His works captured the intense glow of the flames and the silhouetted crowds as Edinburgh's grand buildings succumbed to the blaze.

By Wednesday, a fortunate downpour helped quell the fire, though smoldering hotspots persisted for two more days, finally extinguishing on Friday, November 19th. By the time the fire was contained, entire sections of Edinburgh’s High Street were unrecognizable. Some 400 homes had been destroyed, leaving up to 500 families homeless. Thirteen people, including two firefighters, lost their lives in the disaster, and countless others were injured. Historic buildings, including the birthplace of famed Scottish biographer James Boswell and the Edinburgh Courant newspaper office, were reduced to ashes.

In the fire's aftermath, public criticism arose against Edinburgh’s young fire brigade, but an official inquiry exonerated Braidwood and his team. The investigation found that confusion and outdated municipal laws had hindered firefighting efforts, as multiple officials issued contradictory orders. To address this, a new regulation was enacted giving the city’s firemaster full authority during firefighting operations—a policy that later influenced firefighting protocols across Britain.

The Great Fire also prompted substantial improvements in Edinburgh’s firefighting infrastructure. The number of fire hydrants, or “firecocks,” was more than doubled, and the fire brigade was re-equipped. Additionally, the fire inadvertently paved the way for architectural renewal in Parliament Square, an area that had long been hampered by opposition from property owners. These properties, damaged beyond repair, were finally cleared, allowing for the completion of the Scottish Law Courts in 1829.

The architectural response to the fire dramatically altered the Royal Mile. Many buildings along High Street and Parliament Square were rebuilt as elegant, five-story Georgian tenements, marking a shift from the towering medieval tenements that had once defined Edinburgh’s skyline. Surviving sections incorporated older structural elements, while the Tron Kirk’s iconic spire was redesigned and rebuilt by 1828. In 1829, St. Giles Cathedral was refaced in ashlar to repair and mask fire damage, solidifying its place as an Edinburgh landmark.

James Braidwood, the city’s firemaster, would go on to become a central figure in firefighting history. He is often credited as a pioneer for developing more organized and strategic firefighting techniques. His legacy is honored with a statue in Parliament Square, placed there in 2008 to commemorate the stand he and his team took to save St. Giles Cathedral. Created by Glasgow sculptor Kenneth Mackay, the statue was funded by Dr. Frank Rushbrook, a former firemaster himself. Today, this statue stands as a testament to the bravery of those early firefighters who fought tirelessly to save their city from ruin.

The Great Fire of Edinburgh serves as a powerful reminder of the city’s resilience. Out of devastation came reform, rebuilding, and a strengthened sense of community. Thanks for joining me today on This Day in Scottish History. Tune in tomorrow for another journey back in time. I’m Colin MacDonald—Haste Ye Back!

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