Art School ‘truly sorry’ over blaze

GLASGOW School of Art board leader Murial Gray said the institution is “truly sorry” for the impact on businesses caused by this year’s fire.

New pictures were released as work progresses to stabilise the Mackintosh Building, which was ravaged by a major blaze earlier this year, for the second time.

Workers braved the elements last week to complete the stabilisation of the west gable.

The work has included completing the installation of the retention scaffolding on the north-west corner of the building and also on a speciallydesigned restraint system over the library tower on the south west corner.

Work has also been completed on a protective passageway on the west side of Scott Street which the GSA has created as an additional level of protection for the fire exit from the Centre for Contemporary Arts (CCA).

The CCA is expected to re-open to the public this weekend along with other businesses.

Muriel, who is Chair of the Board of Governers, will face questions from Holyrood’s Culture, Tourism, Europe and External Affairs Committee next month.

She said:“This has been a challenging time for all the residents and businesses who have been affected by the fire in the Mackintosh.

“We are truly sorry for the impact it has had and want to thank everyone for their patience.

“We also want to say a big thank you to all the people who have been working seven days a week since July for their commitment to get the work completed. She added: “We hope the CCA and all the organisations based in the building – the cultural tenants, shops and cafés – as well as Bagel Mania and News 4U will be able to reopen as soon as this weekend.”