Art school bosses hit back over care of fire-hit building
BOSSES at the fire-ravaged Glasgow School of Art have hit back over criticism of their ability to look after the historic building.
The A-listed property designed by Charles Rennie Mackintosh was extensively damaged by a blaze in June while undergoing a £35million restoration after a previous fire in May 2014.
A defence of the GSA board’s record has now been submitted, ahead of an appearance before Holyrood’s culture committee on Thursday by board chairman Muriel Gray, deputy director Irene McAraMcWilliam as well as senior restoration project manager Liz Davidson.
Bosses said the opportunity of giving evidence would allow the board to ‘address the rumours, supposition and speculation circulating’.
Previous evidence before the committee heard of systemic management failures and the building described as a ‘fire trap waiting to happen’.
The GSA board said: ‘We are in the midst of one of the most challenging periods in our history as we deal with this terrible event, which has shocked not only those within and connected with the school, but also within the local community, Glasgow, Scotland and beyond.
‘Our board, management team and staff are now dealing with the daily consequences as we carry out our duties and responsibilities to our students and their educational needs.’
The board said the educational institution was ‘robust’ and well-managed.
It confirmed the building was used for events and tours while under the control of the contractors, but said these were subject to strict safety procedures. A public inquiry being set up was a matter for the Scottish Government to decide, the board said.
Ahead of Thursday’s meeting, committee convener Joan McAlpine said: ‘The role of this committee is not to establish the cause of the fire, but to explore whether poor decision-making or flawed processes contributed to the loss of Charles Rennie Mackintosh’s masterpiece.
‘We have already gathered evidence from former employees, independent experts and local community leaders who have been critical of the art school management. We had an evidence session with the school’s architects and main contractor, which raised further questions about fire prevention and containment.
‘This Thursday we will put all these points to GSA management and board and will consider their response carefully.’
Earlier this month it was announced the director of GSA was to step down after five years in the role.
Professor Tom Inns left with immediate effect and a new director is still to be named.
Professor Inns said: ‘It is now time for a new director to work with the board to deliver the future vision for GSA.’
‘Supposition and speculation’