by Bill Heaney
Firefighters are still tackling a major blaze next to Glasgow Central Station, which is closed until further notice.
The alarm was raised with reports of a fire in a shop in Union Street at about 15:45
The Scottish Fire and Rescue Service says 15 appliances including three high-reach vehicles are at the scene
The fire took hold of the Victorian buildings neighbouring the station and the dome at one corner collapsed
However, Network Rail said it had not identified any significant damage to the station itself
ScotRail says no trains will operate in or out of the station on Monday
The huge fire is reported to have started in a vape shop on Union Street, eventually engulfing a four-storey Victorian building.
Known as Union Corner, at the junction of Union Street and Gordon Street, the B-listed building was constructed in 1851 and pre-dates the station itself which opened in 1879.
Designed by architect James Brown of the firm Brown & Carrick, it was built for Francis Orr & Sons, a well-known Glaswegian stationery and publishing company.
For years there was an Irn Bru advert on the rooftop and a red neon Bells sign on the dome itself.
Among the businesses that until recently occupied the ground floor were the Blue Lagoon fish and chip shop and Sexy Coffee.
A number of road closures remain in place in Glasgow city centre following the large building fire on Union Street.
Closures are in place at the following:
• Renfield Street at West George Street
• St Vincent Street at West Nile Street
• West Nile Street southbound from Bath Street
• Still in place at Broomielaw between Oswald Street and Jamaica Street
• Vehicles can go over King George V bridge and turn left onto Broomielaw
• Clyde Street westbound, turn right onto Glasgow Bridge and then back over King George V bridge
Superintendent Jackie Dunbar said: “Police continue to support our emergency partners with their response to this significant incident in the city centre.
“I would urge people to be mindful of the road closures, plan journeys carefully and to avoid the area if they can bearing in mind that there will be a significant impact on the wider road network.”
Updates from the Scottish Fire and Rescue Service can be found here: https://www.firescotland.gov.uk/news/media-statement-large-building-fire-on-union-street-glasgow/
Scottish Liberal Democrat leader Alex Cole-Hamilton said: “First of all I would like to thank all the firefighters and other emergency service workers who have worked through the night to put out the fire and keep people safe. While the damage to Glasgow’s historic architecture is devastating, this could easily have been so much worse.
“If, as is being widely reported, the fire started in a vape shop, both governments will need to look at what safety considerations these shops are required to have in place.
Scottish Liberal Democrat lead candidate for Glasgow, Daniel Khan-O’Malley said: “This is a sad day for Glasgow. Many Glaswegians and visitors to our great city will have passed by or shopped in this stunning building.
“I feel incredibly sorry for those small businesses who have lost everything to the fire. It is hard enough to get a business off the ground as it is, and now many will be left wrestling with insurance claims and not knowing how they will get by. We are already seeing hair salons and tattoo parlours offering up spaces to those who no longer have somewhere to work from. That is Glasgow at its best.
“I hope that the council can also step up to help people to find premises and begin to rebuild their lives. It is also important that there is a clear steer from both the Scottish Government and ScotRail about next steps. Many commuters, and travellers looking to visit for the forthcoming Commonwealth Games, will be wondering what disruption they might face so clear communication is key.”
Lomond Radio
TRAVEL NEWS: Glasgow Central station remains closed following a significant fire in buildings next to the station on Union Street.