The Courier & Advertiser (Perth and Perthshire Edition)
Fruit and veg deliveries hit by huge market blaze
Speed restrictions on neighbouring M8 as smoke blankets the area
A fire at the Fruit Market in Glasgow will have a knock-on effect for businesses across the west of Scotland, traders have said.
At the height of the blaze, more than 70 firefighters were involved in tackling the flames yesterday morning.
Employees were evacuated but sales and deliveries of fruit, vegetables, fish and flowers to businesses across the country were badly impacted.
Maureen Brogan, from traders J&P Brogan, said: “We are actually one of the lucky ones, our units have not been touched.
“There are people who literally have nothing left and there will be people wondering if they have a job left.”
Ms Brogan said evacuating the site hit her deliveries for the day.
Fire crews were called to the property in Blochairn Road, Royston, at 3.44am yesterday.
The fire service said 12 fire engines and four aerial appliances had been involved in the operation and speed restrictions were put in place on the nearby M8 due to heavy smoke.
Deputy Assistant Chief Officer John Joyce said: “There is no doubt that this has been an extremely challenging incident – however, the response and professionalism from our firefighters has been outstanding.
“The fire developed rapidly – however, thanks to our quick assessment and action plans that were put into place, we were able to protect not only the community from harm, but ensure that the fire did not spread further in the market.”
City Property, which owns the site, praised the work of emergency services and is working to “establish alternative arrangements in order that normal business can resume as soon as possible”.
Glasgow North East MP Paul Sweeney said: “The Blochairn Fruit Market employs over 400 people and provides produce for retailers and restaurants right across the west of Scotland,” he said.
“It is a key part of our economy, turning over £250 million worth of produce a year.
“I will be working closely with Glasgow City Council and City Property to ensure we protect the employees and traders and try to find temporary accommodation nearby for the businesses which have lost their premises.”