The director of Shelter Scotland has said the charity is “heartbroken” after a huge fire obliterated one of its shops in Glasgow.
Alison Watson, Shelter Scotland director, said its charity shop on Union Street was completely destroyed, delivering a “major blow” to its fundraising efforts.
The charity shop, close to Glasgow Central Station, has been on the historic street for nine years and recently completed store upgrades.
More than 200 firefighters tackled the blaze after it was reported on Sunday afternoon, causing “extensive damage” to a B-listed Victorian building, including the destruction of its dome.
Watson said: “We are heartbroken by the devastating fire on Union Street in Glasgow yesterday.
"We have been part of the Union Street community for nine years and our hearts go out to all the businesses and community members that have been impacted.”
She added that everyone in the shop was safe, but asked for public support to help raise funds for the city’s housing emergency after the shop’s stock was incinerated.
Watson said that affected Shelter Scotland staff were being supported by colleagues.
“We would also like to extend our sincere thanks to the emergency services whose calm and professional response ensured the safety of everyone present,” she added.
Fire service investigating
An eyewitness told Civil Society that the fire had started in a vape shop nearby.
The Scottish Fire and Rescue Service (SFRS) said it could not speculate on the cause at this early stage.
There were no reported casualties, SFRS said, but the fire ravaged one of Glasgow’s historic buildings and several long-standing shops, including Shelter Scotland’s store.
A SFRS spokesperson said: “In line with fire investigation protocols, a multi-agency investigation will be conducted, however due to the significant damage that has occurred this may be hampered.”
Shelter Scotland has three other shops in Glasgow: on Dumbarton Road, Pollokshaws and Stockwell Street.
