An emergency and hardship fund has been announced for businesses and households affected by the recent fire at the Glasgow School of Art Mackintosh building.

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

The Scottish Government have collaborated with Glasgow City Council to provide an emergency funding of £3,000 for each household displaced due to the fire. Both authorities have provided an equal share of the funding.

A separate scheme will also significantly increase Scottish Government funding, from 75% to 95%, for businesses able to demonstrate they have been negatively affected as a result of the fire. They can apply for up to 100% business rates hardship relief, with 95% of the cost met by the Scottish Government and 5% from the council.

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Finance Secretary Derek Mackay said: "This terrible event in Glasgow has had a huge impact on businesses and households in the city, and that is why I have been working with Glasgow City Council to offer essential financial support.

"We are working with Glasgow City Council to ensure the emergency funding is released to all those impacted as soon as possible, and will continue to monitor the position and consider what further assistance might be required."

Leader of Glasgow City Council, Cllr Susan Aitken, added: "I have convened a taskforce to drive forward a long-term approach investment, regeneration and support - with strong voices from the business community around the table. However, it is important that both displaced residents and traders alike take advantage of the immediate support that has been put in place by both the council and Government."

Hisashi Kuboyama, The Federation of Small Businesses' Development Manager for Glasgow, welcomed the news: "Glasgow city traders in the vicinity of the recent fire are facing very challenging conditions. Therefore, we're extremely pleased to hear that extra rates support is to be delivered to these operators. 

"The Sauchiehall Street area is a key commercial artery in Scotland's largest city. Ensuring this neighbourhood bounces back will require not only hard work, but also co-operation between many different organisations. Local businesses - and the FSB - stand ready to play a key role."    

(CM/MH)