Why are Glasgow's historic buildings repeatedly catching fire?
Mar 13th 2026
A string of high-profile blazes and collapses in Glasgow has exposed a pattern of vacancy, complex ownership, and poor maintenance in many historic buildings, making them more vulnerable to accidental fires and structural failure.
- The latest blaze began in a vape shop at 105 Union Street where the tenant was reported not to have paid business rates and did not appear registered to sell vaping products.
- Vacant upper floors, complex and distant ownership, and long-term neglect make older buildings more prone to decay and fire.
- Many Victorian buildings are stone shells with timber interiors, which increases the risk and speed of internal fire spread.
- Glasgow has the highest number of at-risk buildings in Scotland and has suffered several high-profile losses, including the 2018 School of Art fire and the 2024 India Buildings collapse.
- The council says it has invested about £280 million in heritage projects but owners remain legally responsible for maintenance and protection.
- Heritage experts urge stronger enforcement such as compulsory purchase or empty building taxes, while social media conspiracy theories about deliberate destruction continue to circulate.