Serious Fire at Glasgow School of Art

Dreadful news from Glasgow. The unique, wonderful Glasgow School of Art building, designed by Charles Rennie Mackintosh, is ablaze.

The fire started around 12.30 pm in the basement, as students were putting the final touches to their degree shows. Images on the BBC website show flames pouring out of the Hen Run and studios on the top floor. This video clip gives a flavour of this special place.

My shot was taken at 2 pm from the south-side of the city, about 3 miles from the incident. A relief to hear everyone evacuated safely. At 4.20 pm, the rising smoke is just starting to die down.

GSA was built in two phases - the East Wing 1897-1899 and the West Wing 1907-1909. It is still a working school of art to this day. Many regard it as Mackintosh's masterpiece, even though he was just a junior draughtsman when he drew up the designs. It is my top favourite building in the country, a national treasure. I often take visitors on the tour here - last summer I walked round with Blipper John Van de Graaff and his wife Marylee.