Major travel disruption is set to continue across Monday after a significant fire broke out in a building adjacent to Glasgow Central railway station. The blaze, which started at a vape shop on Union Street, has led to the complete closure of Scotland’s busiest station, with no immediate prospect of reopening.
National Rail confirmed the station would remain closed, stating there was “no estimate on when the station will reopen” and that they expect “disruption to continue on routes to/from/through Glasgow Central until at least the end of the day.” No trains will operate to or from the high-level platforms, while services using the low-level platforms will pass through the station without stopping.
Train operators have warned of widespread cancellations and delays. ScotRail advised of substantial disruption, urging passengers to check for updates before travelling, confirming no services would operate to or from Glasgow Central high level. Low-level ScotRail services will bypass Glasgow Central, stopping instead at Argyle Street and Anderson.
Mark Ilderton, ScotRail service delivery director, said: “We are sorry to customers for the impact this will cause, and we would urge them to check their journey options before they travel, and be aware there will be very limited replacement transport.”
Avanti West Coast is running an amended service to Preston, Carlisle, and Motherwell, allowing connections to Edinburgh and local Glasgow services, while TransPennine Express has cancelled services between Glasgow Central and Liverpool Lime Street or Manchester Airport, with other routes facing delays.
As of 6.45am, the Scottish Fire and Rescue Service (SFRS) had nine appliances at the scene, with crews still battling the fire.
A spokesperson confirmed: “Firefighters were mobilised at 3.46pm on Sunday, 8 March, to reports of a fire on the ground floor of a four-storey building. Operations remain ongoing and there have been no reports of casualties.” The public has been advised to avoid the area.
First Minister John Swinney expressed his concern on X, stating: “I am deeply concerned about the fire near Glasgow Central Station tonight and very grateful to all of the emergency services who are responding.
Please continue to follow travel guidance, avoid the area and stay safe.” Labour MSP for Glasgow, Paul Sweeney, noted on X that the building, which dates back to 1851, had partially collapsed.
He added: “Sadly the building has now partially collapsed. I hope the fire can be contained. The corner of the Forsyth Building, as well as the Caledonian Chambers and Central Hotel seem unaffected. It’s a massive blow to Union Street with the restoration of the Egyptian Halls in prospect.”
Businesses located within the affected building have reported significant damage. Sexy Coffee, in an Instagram statement, confirmed their shop had been destroyed. “We are absolutely devastated to confirm that the shop has sadly been destroyed in the fire,” the statement read.
“It is heartbreaking for us and our team, especially after the support and loyalty we have received from so many of you over the years. However, we want to reassure everyone that this is not the end. We will rebuild, revamp the shop, and reopen as soon as possible.” The owner of Willow Hair Salon also confirmed on social media that her business had been destroyed.
