Government ‘ready to help’ as fire ravages Glasgow School of Art
2 min read
A Cabinet minister has said the Government “stands ready to help” as a huge blaze rips through Glasgow’s School of Art.
The renowned Mackintosh building caught fire at around 23:30 yesterday evening, four years after part of the structure was destroyed by a blaze.
No casualties have been reported, the Scottish Fire and Rescue Service said. Some 120 fire fighters are at the scene and efforts to bring the fire under control will be “prolonged”, according to Deputy Chief Officer Iain Bushell.
Scottish Secretary David Mundell, who visited the site two weeks ago to see the restoration to the building, said he was “devastated” by the news.
On Twitter, he said: “My heart goes out to all those who had worked so hard on that. @UKGovScotland stands ready to help, financially or otherwise @GSofA”
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."
Glasgow North East MP Paul Sweeney said: “We cannot lose this building”.
The building was due to re-open next year following a restoration project that is reported to have cost between £20m-£35m. It was badly damaged by a fire in May 2014.
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