AN ICONIC BUILDING housing the Glasgow School of Art has caught fire with large parts of the roof space in the Charles Rennie Mackintosh building feared destroyed.

Firefighters remain in attendance at the scene and there are no reports of any injuries at this point.

Firecrews from the Scottish Fire and Rescue Service were called to the scene at about 12.30 pm and have since been using high pressure jets to douse the flames.

Search and rescue teams entered the building wearing breathing apparatus and have led a number of people to safety.

Chief officer at the SFRS Alasdair Hay is in attendance at the fire and says that the fire fight is expected to last for some time yet:

This is likely to be a protracted incident and crews have been working extremely hard to tackle what is clearly a very significant fire. The priority throughout this operation has been to protect life but salvage operations are also underway.

Whoops!

We couldn't find this Tweet

The BBC are reporting eyewitnesses who say that the fire appears to have started when a projector exploded in the basement of the building.

Final year students were said to have been preparing for their end of year degree show in the building when the blaze broke out.

The Glasgow School of Art is considered as being one of the most famous designs from Scottish architect Charles Rennie Mackintosh whose name the building bears. Mackintosh is lauded as one of Scotland’s most influential designers and he attended the Glasgow School of Art in his home town.

Firefighters survey the scene from the ground. Lucy Christie Lucy Christie

Read: “It’s about putting Scotland’s future in Scotland’s hand.” – Yes campaign looking to close referendum gap >

Read: What both sides are saying in Scotland’s great debate >