First Minister John Swinney has announced £11 million in funding for Glasgow in the wake of the Union Street fire, which tore through a 19th-century building last week and disrupted services at Glasgow Central station until at least Wednesday.
Speaking at the SNP’s conference in Edinburgh on Saturday, Mr Swinney revealed a £10 million support package for “the council, businesses and agencies” to help rebuild, alongside £1 million to cover the cost of demolition after the existing facade was deemed unsafe.
“This SNP Government will underwrite the cost of clearing the site, meaning that not a single penny of the city’s public services budget will be lost in that task,” he said. “Today, I can announce a £10 million recovery fund to support the council, businesses and agencies to help rebuild and renew that vital part of the city.”
Mr Swinney praised the response from Glasgow residents, who raised tens of thousands of pounds for impacted businesses, and the emergency services who risked their lives. “When times are tough, Scotland pulls together to look after one other,” he added.
Glasgow City Council leader Susan Aitken welcomed the support, stating that the first call she took on Monday morning was from the First Minister. “This is meaningful support, not just for the council and those suffering hardship – but an investment in the future of the city centre,” she said.
