Art school chiefs hit back at fire criticism

Glasgow School of Arts bosses have hit back at suggestions that poor governance played a role in the most recent fire that ravaged the institution.

Broadcaster Muriel Gray, who chairs the school’s board of governors, will appear before a probe being held by Holyrood’s culture committee later this week. And a submission lodged in advance on behalf of the board of governors hits back at claims during an evidence session last month that it was not “fit for purpose”.

“This suggestion was based on personal opinion and speculation,” it states.

“It appears to make a causal link between our corporate governance and the occurrence of the second fire despite the fact that the cause of that fire is not yet known.

“There was no expert evidence provided on HEI (Higher Education Institution) corporate governance standards. Moreover, none of the witnesses had any direct involvement in the management of the School during 2014 or later.”

The submission confirms the building was used for events and tours while under the control of the contractors – but insisted all visits were subject to strict safety procedures.

The Charles Rennie Mackintosh masterpiece building, located in the Garnethill area of Glasgow city centre, was destroyed by a huge blaze earlier this year. The Mackintosh building had been undergoing a £35m restoration project after a previous fire in 2014.