Police Scotland confirmed they are "dealing with an on going incident at a building on the Mound, Edinburgh". There is a cordon currently in place, with nearby roads closed and diversions in place. A Police Scotland spokesperson said: "Police are currently dealing with an ongoing incident at a building on the Mound, Edinburgh. A cordon is in place and surrounding roads are closed, with diversions in place. Enquiries are continuing."

       The National Gallery confirmed it had been forced to close because of an "issue on site".

       It wrote on Twitter: "Unfortunately the Scottish National Gallery has had to close this afternoon due to an issue on site.

       "We hope to reopen as normal tomorrow morning.

       "We apologise for any disappointment or inconvenience this may cause."

       Several people have taken to Twitter to say Princes Street has been closed and that there is a large police cordon in place.

       Twitter user @ofishalshark wrote: "Bomb disposal in Edinburgh, Princes Street closed off, not finding any info online yet."

       @TheatreSpoonie posted: "If you are in Edinburgh please avoid Princes Street and the Gardens.

       "The area is completely blocked off by police and bomb disposal team. Please stay safe."

       Another Twitter user, LRees96, shared a picture of a group of people on the corner of Frederick Street, next to the closure.

       They wrote: "In all seriousness stay safe and away from Princes Street area."

       Several large nearby shops have also been evacuated as the bomb disposal squad rushed to the scene.

       @BeecroftNaomi tweeted: "Does anyone have any idea what has happened on Princes Street?

       "I was just in Primark and got evacuated out back and there's a huge police cordon and multiple closed shops?"

       @paige_mckinlayx also wrote: "Anyone near/in Edinburgh City Centre?

       "Princes Street and Rose Street, from Fredrick Street down to street where TK Maxx is completely closed off & evacuated."

       Scottish Citylink also tweeted: "Due to a Police incident, Princes Street has been closed.

       "No services will be able to pick up/drop off during this time.

       "Please board at the bus station or the West End."

       THIS IS A BREAKING STORY. MORE TO FOLLOW...