First Minister John Swinney has announced £11 million in funding for Glasgow following the Union Street fire. The blaze, which destroyed a 19th-century building last week, has disrupted services at Glasgow Central station until at least Wednesday.
Speaking at the SNP conference in Edinburgh on Saturday, Swinney confirmed a £10 million support package for the council, businesses and agencies to aid rebuilding. The allocation of the fund is yet to be decided. Additionally, the Scottish Government will cover the £1 million cost of demolishing the building's facade, which must be removed over safety concerns.
Swinney praised the response from Glasgow residents, who raised tens of thousands of pounds for affected businesses, and the emergency services. 'When times are tough, Scotland pulls together to look after one another,' he said.
Glasgow City Council leader Susan Aitken welcomed the announcement, stating that the support from the Scottish Government has been 'hugely important' and that the funding is 'an investment in the future of the city centre'.
