UCU on 'heartbreaking' Glasgow School of Art fire

UCU Scotland Official Mary Senior said: 'We are all devastated at the terrible fire damage at Glasgow School of Art's iconic Mackintosh Building. It is another bitter blow for the school after the fire that destroyed part of the building four years ago. Whilst it is a huge relief that no one has been injured, staff and students are shattered by this news.

'Our thanks go out to the firefighters of the Scottish Fire and Rescue Service, and all emergency services who worked tirelessly to control the fire.'

UCU's Glasgow School of Art branch secretary Nicky Bird, an artist and academic at GSA, said: 'Along with my colleagues, I'm gutted about what has happened to the Mackintosh Building. I know staff and students are heartbroken by the fire. It is devastating. We are all committed to the school and everything it stands for - its creativity and critical thinking, and we are currently focused on making sure that the academic experience for all of our students can continue.

'I would like to thank all of those UCU members and branches who have sent us invaluable messages of support at this time.'