Smoke fears at Balmoral

ALMOST 20 firefighters were called to The Balmoral after reports of smoke near the clock.

However, it turned out to be a false alarm with steam from the expansion pipe being mistaken for smoke.

Lothian and Borders Fire and Rescue Service said 18 firefighters and five fire appliances attended the Princes Street hotel just after 5pm yesterday.

A spokeswoman for The Balmoral confirmed that no evacuation was necessary.

A fire spokeswoman added: “Firefighters put up the turntable ladder to have a look, but it turned out to be a false alarm.”