On Sunday 8th March 2026 at 3:45pm, a fire broke out at a Vape shop in Union Street, at the Corner block beside Central Station in Glasgow. Throughout the evening the fire spread and grew in intensity, it became evident that the 175 year corner block building was consumed in flames, with walls collapsing, floors falling, roofing crashing down. The iconic copula reduced to ashes.
Whilst as a photographer you yearn to photograph major historical events. It is painful however when you see your beloved city buildings rich in history and architecture, become ruins. The memories of your childhood of that iconic skyline, with the neon blinking lights of brands like “Bells Whiskey” and the Scottish soft drink “Irn-Brew”, it felt like no other city. I felt obligated to keep on recording in photos and in video. I went home heartbroken late that night with the smell of the blaze smoke thick on my coat.
When first light appeared I rushed back into the city centre, expecting the worse. In that, the main station of “Glasgow Central” would be destroyed, but thanks to the skills of the Fire Brigade and Police keeping the public safe. The Station itself escaped the worst of the blaze. with no casualties. The corner block was what was lost in the end. The city felt heavy.
In the past few days, news has emerged that the community spirit of Glasgow is flourishing already. To some of the people who lost their business premise to the fire. Other local business owners have stepped in to help them, with temporary space to continue their work, in such a challenging time. Such as the hairdressers and Tattoo parlour.
Zeno Watson 