£5m relief fund for businesses hit by Glasgow Mackintosh building blaze

A £5MILLION fund has been announced to help businesses affected by the fire that destroyed Glasgow School of Art’s Mackintosh Building last month.

Economy Secretary Derek Mackay confirmed the cash amid frustration from business owners and residents shut out of a safety cordon around the site while the building is dismantled.

The Scottish Government said Glasgow City Council would be given the extra funding to distribute to businesses inside the cordon and those in the wider Sauchiehall Street area who could demonstrate hardship as a result of the fires.

Those firms within the Glasgow School of Art and Victoria’s Nightclub cordons will receive £20,000 of direct financial support, with other businesses in the area eligible for £10,000.

The move follows rates relief for affected businesses and grants of £3,000 for affected residents.

Mr Mackay said: ‘The terrible fires at the Glasgow School of Art and Victoria’s are having a significant impact on many local businesses who are either closed or unable to access their premises.

‘Given the scale of the ongoing disruption, I am making up to £5million available immediately to support those businesses affected. The sheer scale and lasting effects of the fires on those involved are becoming clear and it is important that businesses are given financial support to help them through this very challenging time.’

Glasgow City Council leader Susan Aitken said: ‘This fund complements the range of actions that we have taken in the past few weeks, including having dedicated business support advisers based in the Dental Hospital and the Savoy Centre, supporting businesses to relocate outwith the cordon, introducing zero rating for businesses in the cordons and reduced rates for businesses who can demonstrate detrimental impact.’