Monday is shaping up to be a day of commuter chaos as the fire continues to burn at the scene in the heart of the city
Rush hour rail commuters may be in for a world of hurt this morning, with any routes operating in, out, or through Scotland’s busiest train station likely to be impacted after an enormous towering inferno tore through Glasgow Central on Sunday afternoon.
As a result, numerous services were axed on Sunday evening, after the blaze started at a nearby shop on Union Street on March 8.
Network Rail have announced the key Scottish station will remain shut until further notice as firefighters continue battling the flames five hours after they first broke out.
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No services will operate to or from the high-level platforms at Scotland’s busiest railway hub, and trains using the low-level platforms will bypass Glasgow Central.
Network Rail Scotland confirmed the station would stay closed on Monday morning, with rail disruption expected to persist on routes to, from and via the station until Monday evening.
First Minister John Swinney posted on X: “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.”
Paul Sweeney, Labour MSP for Glasgow, revealed the building – which contained the vape shop where the fire originated – had suffered partial collapse.
Writing on X, he noted the structure dates from 1851.
“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,” Mr Sweeney said.
“It’s a massive blow to Union Street with the restoration of the Egyptian Halls in prospect.”
In a statement issued at 2am, a Scottish Fire and Rescue Service spokesperson confirmed: “Firefighters continue to work to extinguish a large building fire on Union Street, Glasgow.
“At its height, 18 fire appliances and specialist resources, including three high-reach vehicles and a water rescue team, were mobilised to the area.
“We were first alerted at 3.46pm on Sunday, March 8, to reports of a fire affecting the ground floor of a four-storey commercial building.
“There are no reported casualties, and crews remain at the scene.”
Alternative ticket arrangements have been implemented, with Avanti West Coast passengers permitted to use their tickets without additional charge on LNER services operating between Edinburgh and London King’s Cross.
Additionally, operator TransPennine Express has announced that its services linking Glasgow Central with Liverpool Lime Street and Manchester Airport will be suspended on Monday, urging passengers not to attempt travel as rail replacement coaches will be unavailable.