Monday March 9th 2026
Union Street this morning following last nights fire
Written by Local Democracy Reporter, Drew Sandelands
The “reinstatement” of the listed Union Street building which has been destroyed by a huge fire should be a “priority” moving forward, Glasgow’s built heritage chief has said.
Cllr Ruairi Kelly, SNP, also suggested a potential review of where vapes are sold and stored in the city if an investigation finds they contributed to the devastating blaze.
Firefighters have worked overnight to tackle the fire, which has ruined many businesses, after the alarm was raised on Sunday afternoon.
It is believed the fire started in a vape shop near Glasgow’s Central Station.
Cllr Kelly, whose role covers built heritage, development and land use, said: “This fire has had a devastating impact and destroyed a building which has stood for over 175 years.
“Clearly we will need to wait on the investigation to establish the facts but if it is the case that vape batteries caused or significantly contributed then we need to look at where, if anywhere, it is suitable to sell and store these in the city.
“This is the heart of Glasgow’s conservation area and the reinstatement of the building should be a priority for any plans going forward.”
In a statement on social media, council leader Susan Aitken, SNP, added she was “thankful” there are no casualties but it is “very upsetting to see the damage the major fire has caused to the heart of Glasgow city centre”.
She is “extremely grateful” to all council staff and others who worked through the night and to the firefighters “without whose efforts this could have been even worse”.
The council leader added: “This is another reminder of just how important Glasgow city centre is to Scotland’s national life. It has no equivalent in terms of economic and cultural impact.
“Ensuring a swift recovery and longer term restoration must be a priority for all levels of government in the weeks ahead.”
The city’s Labour group also paid tribute to the emergency services responding to the fire.
Cllr Rashid Hussain, the group leader, said: “First and foremost, our thoughts are with everyone affected by this devastating ongoing fire.
“We want to thank the Scottish Fire and Rescue Service, Police Scotland and all emergency responders who have worked tirelessly in extremely challenging conditions to keep people safe.
“This is a deeply upsetting moment for our city. Glasgow’s city centre is defined by its history, architecture and the livelihoods of the people who work there every day. To see such damage in the heart of our city is heartbreaking.
“Buildings like these form part of Glasgow’s story. When they are lost or badly damaged, we lose a piece of our shared heritage as well as the businesses and jobs connected to them.
“In the days ahead, the priority must be supporting those affected and ensuring the area can recover as quickly as possible. Glasgow is a resilient city and we will stand together to rebuild and restore what has been lost.”
Stuart Patrick, chief executive at Glasgow Chamber of Commerce, said the fire was “devastating”, particularly for the businesses directly affected.
He added: “Glasgow’s Victorian architecture is world-renowned, and to see a building that has dominated the city’s skyline for more than 170 years disappear is truly heartbreaking.
“However, Glasgow is a resilient city. Its business community will rebuild, and people will continue to work together to support one another in the weeks and months ahead.
“I would encourage anyone travelling to and from Glasgow Central to check Network Rail’s social media for the latest updates.”
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