Traders count cost after fire rips through fruit market
● Retailers, restaurants and hotels also hit after early morning blaze grips Blochairn market in Glasgow
Traders at one of Scotland’s largest food wholesale markets were left devastated yesterday after a major fire ripped through the premises, leading to fears that many will be put out of business.
The large blaze at Blochairn fruit market, which was visible for miles around, broke out in a two-storey warehouse early yesterday morning.
At its height, more than 70 firefighters were involved in tackling the fire, which also caused disruption on the nearby M8 motorway.
Employees at the market were safely evacuated but sales and deliveries of fruit, vegetables, fish and flowers to businesses across the country were badly impacted.
The Scottish Fire and Rescue Service believes a “good proportion” of the two-storey building has been maintained and traders could be allowed to return to the market. However, there is concern that the damage could leave some traders unable to continue.
Driver James Lang, who works at the site, said: “Loads of people from Glasgow, Edinburgh and all over come in to get stock to keep shops and restaurants going. It will affect a lot of businesses in Scotland and schools as well.
“It’s heart-breaking for me, I have 42 years’ history in the place because I was brought up in the market as a boy.”
Maureen Brogan, from traders J&P Brogan, said her units survived the fire but all traders will now need to “try and help each other”.
She said: “There are people who literally have nothing left and there will be people wondering if they have a job left. I feel for the other traders who have woken up to nothing.”
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.
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.
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 he would work with City Property and Glasgow City Council to find temporary accommodation for traders without premises.
“There are people who literally have nothing left and there will be people wondering if they have a job left”
MAUREEN BROGAN Fruit and vegetable wholesaler