Homes and workplaces have been evacuated following a fire erupting outside of the Scottish Parliament in Edinburgh.
The fire broke out between Holyrood Road and the Royal Mile, Edinburgh, resulting in a thick column of black smoke engulfing the area. The smoke can be seen billowing over the city.
The Scottish Fire and Rescue Service reported they were called to deal with the incident at 12:35pm and are still present at the scene.
Three fire engines have arrived at the scene and are attempting to extinguish the flames in the courtyard near Holyrood road.
The service added that a substation began sparking prior to the fire.