Major travel disruption is expected to continue across Monday after a significant fire broke out in a building adjacent to Glasgow Central railway station. The blaze, which started at a vape shop on Union Street, has led to the complete closure of Scotland’s busiest station, with no immediate prospect of reopening.
National Rail confirmed the station would remain closed, stating there was “no estimate on when the station will reopen” and that they expect “disruption to continue on routes to/from/through Glasgow Central until at least the end of the day.” No trains will operate to or from the high-level platforms, while services using the low-level platforms will pass through without stopping.
Train operators have warned of widespread cancellations and delays. ScotRail advised of substantial disruption, urging passengers to check for updates before travelling, confirming no services would operate to or from Glasgow Central high level. Low-level ScotRail services will bypass Glasgow Central, stopping instead at Argyle Street and Anderson.
Mark Ilderton, ScotRail service delivery director, said: “We are sorry to customers for the impact this will cause, and we would urge them to check their journey options before they travel, and be aware there will be very limited replacement transport.”
Avanti West Coast is running an amended service to Preston, Carlisle, and Motherwell, allowing connections to Edinburgh and local Glasgow services, while TransPennine Express has cancelled services between Glasgow Central and Liverpool Lime Street or Manchester Airport, with other routes facing delays. As of 6.45am, the Scottish Fire and Rescue Service had nine appliances at the scene, with crews still battling the fire.
First Minister John Swinney expressed his concern on X, stating: “I am deeply concerned about the fire near Glasgow Central Station tonight and very grateful to all of the emergency services who are responding.” Labour MSP for Glasgow, Paul Sweeney, noted on X that the building, which dates back to 1851, had partially collapsed. Businesses within the affected building, including Sexy Coffee and Willow Hair Salon, reported significant damage, with both confirming their shops had been destroyed.
