Glasgow city centre pubs and restaurants have been left in limbo by Sunday’s catastrophic blaze on Union St.
Despite the best efforts of firefighters, the building that once stood on the corner of Gordon St and Union St entirely succumbed to the conflagration, and collapsed.
Work is now underway to assess what damage the fire – and several days worth of hose-water – may have done to the adjoining Central Station building.
Streets in the immediate vicinity of the ruined building have been cordoned off by emergency services, requiring a number of pubs and restaurants to close.
Further afield, the whole city centre is feeling the impact of the transport disruption arising from the closure of Central Station’s high level platforms, and the re-routing of the main city-crossing bus routes.
Glasgow City Council issued the following statement: “The Union Street incident is still an on-going emergency response, and Scottish Fire and Rescue Service are on scene with four fire appliances and two high-reach vehicles. 
“The site will remain in their care until such times it’s deemed safe and appropriate to be handed over to the council for assessment and recovery. Please follow SFRS for updates.
“Building Control is currently working with engineers, and partners Network Rail and ScotRail before the site can be handed over to the council for further assessment and recovery.
“No timescale has yet been confirmed for this handover, and timescales thereafter for access arrangements will be entirely dependent on the assessments by Building Control.
“Police Scotland road closures and the cordon have been reduced, but many are still in place for public safety.
The council added: “Officers are exploring all avenues to see what rates relief will be made available for affected businesses, and advisers from the council’s Business Growth team are available to speak to affected traders.
“Conversations have already taken place with several businesses and representatives of the business community. The business engagement team is now ready to respond to emails from affected businesses at UnionSt@glasgow.gov.uk”
