Glasgow fire: School of Art's Mackintosh Building suffers major blaze
Landmark is 'the most architecturally important building in Glasgow', says shadow minister
Your support helps us to tell the story
From reproductive rights to climate change to Big Tech, The Independent is on the ground when the story is developing. Whether it's investigating the financials of Elon Musk's pro-Trump PAC or producing our latest documentary, 'The A Word', which shines a light on the American women fighting for reproductive rights, we know how important it is to parse out the facts from the messaging.
At such a critical moment in US history, we need reporters on the ground. Your donation allows us to keep sending journalists to speak to both sides of the story.
The Independent is trusted by Americans across the entire political spectrum. And unlike many other quality news outlets, we choose not to lock Americans out of our reporting and analysis with paywalls. We believe quality journalism should be available to everyone, paid for by those who can afford it.
Your support makes all the difference.A major fire has broken out at a Glasgow School of Arts building that had just undergone a four-year refurbishment.
Firefighters were tackling a serious blaze at the institution’s Mackintosh Building, the school said.
Social media users posted video of huge flames engulfing the historic building and smoke billowing into the night sky on Friday night.
Scotland Fire and Rescue Service told The Independent some 15 fire engines were sent to the blaze after it was reported at 11.19pm.
Fire gutted the building in May 2014 and a multi-million pound restoration project had been returning the famous art school to its former glory.
Witness Aidan Dick said the fire and smoke grew in intensity “in the space of a few minutes”.
He tweeted: “Glasgow School of Art is on fire again. Heartbreaking. My thoughts go to all students and staff, and I hope no one was caught in the blaze.”
Shadow Scottish minister Paul Sweeney, the Labour and Co-operative MP for Glasgow North East, tweeted: “Devastated that a major fire has broken out at the Glasgow School of Art tonight.
“The Mack has been undergoing restoration since the last devastating fire in 2014. @scotfire-glasgo are doing everything they can to salvage the most architecturally important building in Glasgow.”
The building was designed by Charles Rennie Mackintosh and completed in 1909.
Scottish First Minister Nicola Sturgeon said: “This is clearly an extremely serious situation. My first thoughts tonight are for the safety of people – but my heart also breaks for Glasgow’s beloved GSofA.
“Once again, we are indebted to the bravery of our firefighters and other emergency services.”
As of about 1.45am on Saturday, no casualties had been reported, the BBC cited SFRS as saying.
Additional reporting by PA
Join our commenting forum
Join thought-provoking conversations, follow other Independent readers and see their replies
Comments