A fire has ripped through the Glasgow School of Art's Mackintosh building for a second time.

The major blaze started in the building at around 11.15pm on Friday, 15 June, spreading to nearby buildings and causing extensive damage.

The building had been undergoing a period of extensive restoration following a previous fire in 2014, with Kier Construction Scotland delivering the repairs at a cost of around £35 million.

At the fire's height, more than 120 firefighters and 20 fire engines were mobilised. Around 50 firefighters and six fire engines were still in attendance at the site and dampening down operations on Sunday.

-- Advertisement --

Muriel Gray, Chair of the Board of Governors at the Glasgow School of Art, said everyon is "utterly devastated".

"We now have a difficult waiting game until Scottish Fire and Rescue Service, Glasgow City Council and associated agencies have completed their investigations into the condition of the Building," she said.

"We remain hopeful of as positive an outcome as possible because it is clear that the love for the Mackintosh and recognition of its importance to Glasgow and the wider world is shared by absolutely everyone."

First Minister Nicola Sturgeon thanked the Fire Service and the rest of the emergency services for their "professionalism and bravery".

"The Scottish Government stands ready to provide any support that may be required, now and in the period ahead," she said.

(LM)