More than £150,000 has been raised through crowdfunding for businesses devastated by a major fire in Glasgow city centre. The blaze broke out on Sunday afternoon in a vape shop on Union Street and spread to neighbouring buildings, including those on Gordon Street.
Among the hardest hit is Lucky in Love Tattoos, which has raised over £21,000. The studio, home to nine self-employed artists, lost all equipment and supplies. A GoFundMe page stated the funds will help them 'buy supplies and the necessary tools to tattoo again ASAP.'
Another tattoo parlour, Hundred Demons, has received more than £18,000. Owner Duncan Sweeny admitted his insurance does not cover contents, calling it 'a catastrophic loss.' He plans to use the funds to replace essential equipment and eventually build a new space.
The Wig Chapel studio has attracted over £15,000, while Willow Hair Salon's owner expressed heartbreak on social media, saying, 'Goodbye to our beautiful old building.' Coffee shop Sexy Coffee confirmed its destruction but vowed to reopen, noting its Argyle Street branch remains open.
Stuart Patrick, chief executive of Glasgow Chamber of Commerce, described the fire as 'devastating' and highlighted the loss of a 170-year-old Victorian building. He added, 'Glasgow is a resilient city. Its business community will rebuild.'
