Fire report row in art school probe
MSPS heading an inquiry into the Glasgow School of Art Mackintosh building fire have rejected the submission of a key report – after a construction company refused to release it unless its contents were kept from the public.
Kier, the company renovating the building after the 2014 fire, implemented a fire prevention strategy that MSPs on the culture, tourism, Europe and external affairs committee asked to read.
But Kier told them that it could only be released to the committee on the condition that the contents were kept private until a Scottish Fire and Rescue investigation into the blaze is completed.
MSPs rejected the report altogether and described themselves as “disappointed” that they could not put it in the public domain.
It contains details of the fire safety measures implemented by Kier after their £35m renovation of the building began.
In a letter to Kier’s managing director, Brian McQuade, the committee it “does not consider it would be appropriate to receive the documents if it is not possible to make all the documentation publicly available.”
A spokeswoman for Kier said: “Since the fire, Kier has been working to support the Scottish Fire and Rescue Service’s investigation to establish its cause.
“We have also been co-operating fully with the Scottish parliament’s culture, tourism, Europe and external affairs committee inquiry, and will continue to do so.”
The committee will next meet to discuss the fire on Thursday of this week.