This is a log of reported events connected with the fire-damaged Mackintosh Building of The Glasgow School of Art. Entries here are in reverse order with the latest information immediately below. Sources are public. We have no inside information or connection with The GSA.
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What is happening now?
Latest update
August 2026
5th August 2026 – The Charles Rennie Mackintosh Society has issued a full press release [1] detailing their plans to lead efforts to restore the fire damaged GSA Mackintosh Building.
Director of The Society Matthew Williams: “The Society’s members and expert advisors continue to agree with the prevailing public opinion that the only acceptable course of action for the Mackintosh Building is reconstruction … I understand and support the need for The Glasgow School of Art to focus on its internationally renowned teaching and research. However, in respect of the Mackintosh Building, and given its recent statements, the GSA no longer has the credibility to spearhead a world-class reconstruction project … The Mackintosh Building is important for the creative soul of the nation, a cornerstone of Scotland’s cultural leadership, and a place of pilgrimage for visitors from around the world: it can and must be restored”
The statement also provides details of the strategy to be adopted in establishing a Special Purpose Vehicle (SPV) along with the details of its expert Buildings & Interiors Group. Members are: Peter Ranson, Liz Davidson, John Brown, Robyne Calvert, Joseph Sharples, John Sanders, and Paul Sweeney MSP. [1]
3rd August 2026 – The Charles Rennie Mackintosh Society has today declared an intention to coordinate and lead a dedicated group to reinstate the fire damaged Mackintosh Building of The Glasgow School of Art (GSA). The Society’s Director Matthew Williams stated that the recent GSA announcement detailing its failure to secure an adequate insurance settlement to recover the building and seeking external partnership to do it “significantly changes the view of the Charles Rennie Mackintosh Society regarding the future custodianship of the building”.
The Society proposes that responsibility for the building be transferred to a newly formed Special Purpose Vehicle (SPV). This would comprise an expert group of independent specialists who would undertake the reconstruction project.
“My view is that the Society, as an independent membership organisation, is in the best position to galvanise support and bring together under one banner those who want the Mackintosh Building restored to its rightful place as Scotland’s finest twentieth century building. Over the coming weeks the Society will form an international pressure group to lobby for exactly that.” Said Williams who added that The Society would produce a vision statement and seek wide international support from organisations, businesses and individuals.
“The Glasgow School of Art will be part of that process, but there is a sense from all quarters that the organisation should no longer decide the future of the Mackintosh Building.”
Support for full reinstatement has also come from the Scottish Education and Culture Secretary Màiri McAllan. The GSA has also reiterated its commitment to exploring every opportunity to recover the building. [1]
Source: 1. The Scotsman Retrieved 3rd August 2026.
July 2026
25th July 2026 – The Chief Executive of The National Trust for Scotland (NTS), Phil Long has issued a statement [1] responding to Wednesday’s news about the GSA Mackintosh Building.
This is perhaps the most honest assessment of the wider Mackintosh heritage scene that we’ve read from any senior figure in recent times. It creates an opening for other leaders and stakeholders to engage with the challenge to rebuild and offers hope.
NTS, as is mentioned in the statement, is well placed to act having looked after The Hill House since 1982 and taking on The Willow Tearooms building ( now known as The Mackintosh Tearooms ) in 2024.
24th July 2026 – Following the GSA announcement on the 22nd July there has been much public comment and reaction from around the world. ( See immediately below for our own social media reaction data ). BBC Front Row ran an item examining the GSA’s situation and its implications. [1]. Paul Sweeney MSP published an article in the Architectural Journal [2] outlining his vision for how the rebuild might be structured. Both the Scottish and wider UK press have covered the story and we will endeavour to catalogue some of this coverage here in due course. As of today two campaigns that might be of interest to our followers have emerged.
The first is being organised by Malcolm Fraser and Johnny Rodger both influential figures in Scottish Art, Design and Architecture. ‘Rebuild the Mack‘ is a passionate supporter-seeking campaign asking for mailing list sign ups.
The second is a petition organised by Scottish architect Ruairidh Moir which seeks a ‘full and faithful restoration and reinstatement of the GSA building with no erosion of Mackintosh’s original design intent.’
23rd July 2026 – The Royal Institute of British Architects (RIBA) [1] and The Royal Incorporation of Architects in Scotland (RIAS) [2] have issued a joint statement in response the the GSA announcement on Wednesday.
“The RIAS and RIBA welcome the Glasgow School of Art’s actions to secure a long-term and sustainable future for the Mackintosh Building. It is one of the most important buildings in Scotland and the UK: innovative, full of narrative, technically advanced and a piece of art in itself. Its recent history has been tragic, and every effort must be made to turn its fortunes around.
The Glasgow School of Art should be commended for working proactively with architects to identify options focusing on a positive future for this amazing building. We support the School’s proposed approach to stablise the facade complete with stone repairs, thereby enabling all possible options for the building’s future, including its faithful reinstatement which we feel should remain everyone’s preferred outcome. This approach re-presents the building to the city and people of Glasgow after too many years behind scaffolding, and will serve as a visible reminder if any were needed of why it is so important.
The Glasgow School of Art has concluded that the School cannot take forward the faithful reinstatement of the Mackintosh building on its own. That is true: a building of such national importance requires a national response if future generations are not to curse us for its loss or mutilation. We need leadership from the Scottish and UK Governments to find the resources needed to ensure the faithful reinstatement of the Mackintosh Building, and to secure its future as a revitalised creative hub serving Glasgow, Scotland and the world.”
This is a further hopeful sign of leading professional bodies providing clear signposting as to what is needed to secure the future of the building.
22nd July 2026 – The Glasgow School of Art has finally announced that it cannot afford to restore the destroyed Charles Rennie Mackintosh building. [1] In essence they have revealed that the long-awaited insurance settlement falls short of the amount needed to rebuild the world heritage building and that they are seeking other sources of funding to complete the project. [1][2] Their next move will be to further stabilise the remaining structure with a mix of temporary and permanent measures to allow removal of the current scaffolding which is effectively eating money that they would prefer to retain. They have published both a Conservation Management Plan [2] and a ‘Strategic Outline Business Case Addendum’ [3] detailing the overall context of the project and the steps that they can take. Several hours after the announcement the situation has already attracted much criticism and comment. We will analyse the new information and add further detail here in the coming days.
We’re receiving a lot of reactions to today’s news via our social media channels and we thought it might be interesting to reflect the various views here. We’ll update the chart below during this week.
20th July 2026 – The Glasgow School of Art have issued a press release in response to yesterday‘s Sunday Post newspaper report which implied that the Mackintosh building would not be reinstated.
“The speculative story relating to the Mackintosh Building in today’s Sunday Post is not accurate. An announcement relating to investment in the future of the building, which will confirm our commitment to it, will be made onWednesday.”
19th July 2026 – Scotland’s Sunday Post newspaper published a report [1] that the Charles Rennie Mackintosh designed Glasgow School of Art building will not be restored. The article by Mark Aitken reports an imminent announcement by GSA Director Penny Macbeth outlining a plan to retain the Mackintosh facade which would enclose a new, modern structure within. Macbeth and her predecessors have previously held to the publicly stated declaration that the building would be “faithfully reinstated”.
This development follows a prolonged period of near-silence from the GSA whilst a confidential insurance arbitration process was ongoing. An announcement about the outcome of this had been expected in March 2026 but has not yet been made.
If true this catastrophic development indicates that the arbitration process has failed to secure full funding for the Mackintosh Building’s restoration ( estimated to be at least £350m ). It seems likely that this outcome may precipitate a wider global reaction from those with an interest in the building.
It is odd that with a wall of silence from The GSA for months that this story should somehow now ‘leak’ at this time. If the arbitration result reveals that the building was not adequately insured that surely raises questions of competence and management. Questions of whether The GSA’s management are fit and proper stewards of this world heritage building must surely arise and other options to fund its restoration be called for.
May 2026 23rd May 2026 marked the 12th anniversary of the first fire which inflicted significant damage on the GSA building. It has been too long and it is time this nightmare was ended we say.
May 2026
A judgment by The Scottish Government on the future of the GSA-adjacent O2 ABC site has been delayed. Proposals to build an ‘unacceptably high and inappropriate’ student accommodation complex on the site were approved by Glasgow City Council in June 2025. Objections to the decision at the time, including from the GSA, centred on the impact of the scheme on Mackintosh’s GSA building especially site lines to and from the building. As a result The Scottish Government called in the application and was due to deliver a report to ministers at the beginning of May 2026. It has been reported that this timeline has now slipped to end of May / early June.[1]
Meanwhile the GSA building remains shrouded in a plastic tent whilst an insurance claim to fund its restoration heads for arbitration. This process too appears delayed; an announcement having been expected in March 2026 but not yet made.[2]
A critical insurance arbitration hearing in March may determine Glasgow School of Art’s (GSA) rebuild schedule for its fire damaged Mackintosh building.
The world heritage masterpiece remains shrouded in plastic whilst the GSA and insurers continue their dispute.
The Architectural Journal reports progress on the insurance claim to cover rebuilding costs is approaching a critical juncture with the 2030 completion date for the project now in doubt.
The article includes comments from the Scottish government and a highly critical analysis of the delays to the restoration by Glasgow MSP Paul Sweeney.
Photo: Stuart Robertson.
Link to article [ Paywalled but free to read for first time users. A summary of the article is also available unrestricted on the website of The Charles Rennie Mackintosh Society ] Retrieved 3/2/26
January 2026
An expansive and informative presentation from Paul Sweeney MSP at yesterday’s Glasgow planning meeting.
The significance of Mackintosh’s Glasgow School of Art for the city skyline, its world heritage significance and the inadequacy of current proposals for its surrounding site are all discussed. This is a well informed politician spelling out the world significance of the building; that this should be necessary in Mackintosh’s home city and country raises important questions about the safeguarding of his legacy.
This hearing also heard a strongly critical assessment of the proposed O2-site scheme from Stuart Robertson, Director of The Charles Rennie Mackintosh Society.
Paul Sweeney MSP sets out powerfully detailed objections to the proposed commercial development that threatens the significance of Mackintosh’s Glasgow School of Art.
Recommended reading as a reminder of how important this building is and why its restoration is a priority.
Retrieved 20/1/26
2025
July 2025
The Scottish Government will intervene in the controversial planning application for a building that would compromise C. R. Mackintosh’s internationally significant Glasgow School of Art.
Labour MSP Paul Sweeney has submitted a motion to the Scottish Government to intervene in the controversial planning application for a building that will compromise Charles Rennie Mackintosh’s internationally significant Glasgow School of Art.
Sight lines of Mackintosh Art School building to be compromised by new development.
A proposal to develop the former Glasgow O2 ABC site with student housing and social facilities has been approved by Glasgow’s city planning committee. The committee ignored 130 formal objections from heritage bodies, politicians and The Glasgow School of Art. These centred on the adverse impact of the new buildings on views to and from the Mackintosh building which lies to the north of the site.
Famous views of the Art School will be lost and sight lines from the building over the city of Glasgow will be compromised.
Although the Mackintosh Building is yet to be restored, when it is it will not have the same prominence on the skyline it once had. BBC News report link. [1]
1. Retrieved 13/6/25
Posted 13/6/25
May 2025
Are we reaching a tipping point with Mackintosh heritage?
Earlier today we posted an image of a door plate from The Glasgow School of Art taken before its destruction. Our correspondent Dave McNicoll replied with a post-fire image of the recovered door plates.
In one image is summed up the precarious position of Mackintosh’s heritage in Glasgow. It’s painful to see what has become of something so magnificent.
We also read a stirring article [1] by Dr Sandesh Gulhane MSP following the recent heritage roundtable at Mackintosh’s Queen’s Cross Church. It’s a powerful piece that challenges Glasgow to secure the Mackintosh heritage and make it central to its cultural offer.
Recommended reading to all who love Mackintosh and we suggest taking whatever practical action you can to help things along.
1. Retrieved 7/5/25
Posted 7/5/25
June 2025
Writing in Parliament’s “The House” Magazine MP urges UK Government to take control of re-build of Charles Rennie Mackintosh Glasgow School of Art.
Our recent posts of Charles Rennie Mackintosh’s Glasgow School of Art building attracted lots of interest in its present condition. This detail from a recent drone shot of the neighbouring O2/ABC site shows the white-wrapped mass of the GSA and the scale of the work ahead.
Image: @PixByPedro ( See his great feed for more ).
The London Review of Books has an up-to-date overview [1] of the destroyed Glasgow School of Art Mackintosh Building’s situation. It highlights ( again ) the need for high-level intervention as the GSA continues to struggle with recovery from the disaster.
Glasgow’s burned-out marvel: will the restoration of Mackintosh’s School of Art ever happen? Article by Rowan Moore of The Observer examining the issues surrounding the fire-damaged GSA Mackintosh Building’s restoration.
Renowned architect David Chipperfield has predicted it will be ‘very difficult’ to justify the cost of rebuilding Charles Rennie Mackintosh’s burnt-out Glasgow School of Art (GSA) at a time when ‘schools needed new roofs’. Link to article[ Paywalled but free to read for first time users. ]
Retrieved 1/2/24
2023
June 2023
The Glasgow School of Art Mackintosh building has been fully enclosed by a plastic protective envelope in preparation for reconstruction. A two year drying out process is predicted during which internal brickwork will be reinstated. Replacement stone and bricks will be sourced.
The GSA verifies that an ongoing dispute remains with its insurance providers over a compensation claim for the damaged building. A BBC report [1] revealed that a complex arbitration process was underway between the Glasgow School of Art and its insurance providers regarding the 2018 payouts. This unresolved legal and financial standoff has caused major delays, pushing back the physical reconstruction phases significantly. While initial internal estimates targeted a completion window between 2022 and 2027, the ongoing funding dispute means substantive on-site rebuilding work is stalled. Source: 1. BBC News article on GSA insurance dispute
25th January 2022
The Scottish Fire and Rescue Service officially logs the root cause and starting point of the second blaze as “undetermined”. [1] The official fire investigation report was heavily delayed due to the danger of structural collapse and the extensive engineering work required to safely access the debris. Investigators spent years sifting through hundreds of tonnes of charred material and analysing physical evidence, but found no definitive source of ignition. Due to the total destruction of the structural fabric and the lack of actionable CCTV footage, the service concluded that it was impossible to determine how the blaze started. Source: 1. The Architects’ Journal report on the final SFRS investigation
22nd October 2021
The GSA announces that its top priority is a “faithful reinstatement” of the historic Mackintosh Building. Following a comprehensive business case review, the institution announced its commitment to a total reconstruction rather than a modern redesign or leaving the site as a ruin. The project strategy outlined a plan to return the building to a fully functioning academic art school rather than converting it into a static museum space. According to reports in The Architects’ Journal [1], this faithful reinstatement plan led directly to a formal global procurement search for specialist architectural teams to lead the multi-million-pound build. Source: 1. The Architects’ Journal article on the GSA faithful reinstatement search
8th March 2019
A public inquiry is requested after the Scottish Parliament’s culture committee severely admonishes the GSA for a failure to protect the premises. [1] The committee concluded that the board of governors had not given enough attention to the unique fire risks facing the asset during its restoration phase. Lawmakers stated that the school failed to take modern, proactive measures to protect the world-renowned masterpiece after the 2014 incident. Despite the committee’s formal recommendation, subsequent Scottish Government ministers ultimately rejected the calls to establish a full public inquiry into the double disaster. Source: 1. The Architects’ Journal report on the Scottish Government inquiry decision
15th November 2018
Muriel Gray, serving as the GSA board chairwoman, informs MSPs that the oversight of the Mackintosh building was “exemplary” and maintains she would alter nothing. [1] Appearing before the Scottish Parliament’s culture committee, Gray vigorously defended the school’s risk management and governance protocols. However, according to the BBC, she did express regret over the school’s poor communication with local residents and businesses who were displaced by the structural safety cordon [1]. Her defensive testimony stood in stark contrast to previous expert witnesses who had publicly labelled the historic building a fire trap. Source: 1. BBC News coverage of Muriel Gray’s parliamentary testimony
15th June 2018
A second, significantly more catastrophic fire tears through the nearly refurbished Mackintosh building and spreads into the adjacent Sauchiehall Street O2 ABC music venue. The Mackintosh building was in a highly vulnerable and flammable state due to the complex scaffolding and ongoing construction works. Over 120 firefighters were deployed to combat the massive blaze, which quickly engulfed all floors of the Category A-listed building. The structural integrity of the property was completely compromised, leaving only a burnt-out stone shell and forcing the school to terminate its £25 million restoration contract with the construction firm Kier. [1]
Even though insurance policies were set to handle the reconstruction expenses, Peter Capaldi and Brad Pitt endorse a £20 million public fundraising drive to rebuild the Mackintosh Building [1]. The actors agreed to serve as trustees for the newly launched Mackintosh Appeal to help cover gaps in funding. Rebuilding costs were projected to range between £20 million and £35 million [1], prompting global philanthropic support due to the building’s massive architectural significance. The fundraising efforts quickly gained momentum, culminating in a £5 million contribution from the UK government to accelerate the specialized restoration work [2].
An initial fire breaks out in an exhibition space used by a student, spreading rapidly through the Mackintosh Building at the Glasgow School of Art [1]. The official statement confirmed that the blaze originated from an Epson projector mounted on a shelf in a north basement studio. The heat from the projector ignited gases from a canister of expanding foam being used to fabricate art installation panels. While firefighters managed to salvage up to 80% of the building’s historic collections, the world-famous Charles Rennie Mackintosh library in the west wing was entirely destroyed.
Mackintosh’s Glasgow School of Art – latest news
This is a log of reported events connected with the fire-damaged Mackintosh Building of The Glasgow School of Art. Entries here are in reverse order with the latest information immediately below. Sources are public. We have no inside information or connection with The GSA.
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Latest update
August 2026
5th August 2026 – The Charles Rennie Mackintosh Society has issued a full press release [1] detailing their plans to lead efforts to restore the fire damaged GSA Mackintosh Building.
Director of The Society Matthew Williams:
“The Society’s members and expert advisors continue to agree with the prevailing public opinion that the only acceptable course of action for the Mackintosh Building is reconstruction … I understand and support the need for The Glasgow School of Art to focus on its internationally renowned teaching and research. However, in respect of the Mackintosh Building, and given its recent statements, the GSA no longer has the credibility to spearhead a world-class reconstruction project … The Mackintosh Building is important for the creative soul of the nation, a cornerstone of Scotland’s cultural leadership, and a place of pilgrimage for visitors from around the world: it can and must be restored”
The statement also provides details of the strategy to be adopted in establishing a Special Purpose Vehicle (SPV) along with the details of its expert Buildings & Interiors Group. Members are: Peter Ranson, Liz Davidson, John Brown, Robyne Calvert, Joseph Sharples, John Sanders, and Paul Sweeney MSP. [1]
Source:
1. Media Release from The Charles Rennie Mackintosh Society Retrieved 5th August 2026.
3rd August 2026 – The Charles Rennie Mackintosh Society has today declared an intention to coordinate and lead a dedicated group to reinstate the fire damaged Mackintosh Building of The Glasgow School of Art (GSA). The Society’s Director Matthew Williams stated that the recent GSA announcement detailing its failure to secure an adequate insurance settlement to recover the building and seeking external partnership to do it “significantly changes the view of the Charles Rennie Mackintosh Society regarding the future custodianship of the building”.
The Society proposes that responsibility for the building be transferred to a newly formed Special Purpose Vehicle (SPV). This would comprise an expert group of independent specialists who would undertake the reconstruction project.
“My view is that the Society, as an independent membership organisation, is in the best position to galvanise support and bring together under one banner those who want the Mackintosh Building restored to its rightful place as Scotland’s finest twentieth century building. Over the coming weeks the Society will form an international pressure group to lobby for exactly that.” Said Williams who added that The Society would produce a vision statement and seek wide international support from organisations, businesses and individuals.
“The Glasgow School of Art will be part of that process, but there is a sense from all quarters that the organisation should no longer decide the future of the Mackintosh Building.”
Support for full reinstatement has also come from the Scottish Education and Culture Secretary Màiri McAllan. The GSA has also reiterated its commitment to exploring every opportunity to recover the building. [1]
Source:
1. The Scotsman Retrieved 3rd August 2026.
July 2026
25th July 2026 – The Chief Executive of The National Trust for Scotland (NTS), Phil Long has issued a statement [1] responding to Wednesday’s news about the GSA Mackintosh Building.
This is perhaps the most honest assessment of the wider Mackintosh heritage scene that we’ve read from any senior figure in recent times. It creates an opening for other leaders and stakeholders to engage with the challenge to rebuild and offers hope.
NTS, as is mentioned in the statement, is well placed to act having looked after The Hill House since 1982 and taking on The Willow Tearooms building ( now known as The Mackintosh Tearooms ) in 2024.
Source:
1. Statement by Phil Long, NTS. Retrieved 25/7/26.
24th July 2026 – Following the GSA announcement on the 22nd July there has been much public comment and reaction from around the world. ( See immediately below for our own social media reaction data ). BBC Front Row ran an item examining the GSA’s situation and its implications. [1]. Paul Sweeney MSP published an article in the Architectural Journal [2] outlining his vision for how the rebuild might be structured. Both the Scottish and wider UK press have covered the story and we will endeavour to catalogue some of this coverage here in due course. As of today two campaigns that might be of interest to our followers have emerged.
The first is being organised by Malcolm Fraser and Johnny Rodger both influential figures in Scottish Art, Design and Architecture. ‘Rebuild the Mack‘ is a passionate supporter-seeking campaign asking for mailing list sign ups.
The second is a petition organised by Scottish architect Ruairidh Moir which seeks a ‘full and faithful restoration and reinstatement of the GSA building with no erosion of Mackintosh’s original design intent.’
We have no connection with either campaign.
Sources:
1. BBC Front Row at BBC Sounds – programme link.
2. Article by Paul Sweeney MSP
23rd July 2026 – The Royal Institute of British Architects (RIBA) [1] and The Royal Incorporation of Architects in Scotland (RIAS) [2] have issued a joint statement in response the the GSA announcement on Wednesday.
“The RIAS and RIBA welcome the Glasgow School of Art’s actions to secure a long-term and sustainable future for the Mackintosh Building. It is one of the most important buildings in Scotland and the UK: innovative, full of narrative, technically advanced and a piece of art in itself. Its recent history has been tragic, and every effort must be made to turn its fortunes around.
The Glasgow School of Art should be commended for working proactively with architects to identify options focusing on a positive future for this amazing building. We support the School’s proposed approach to stablise the facade complete with stone repairs, thereby enabling all possible options for the building’s future, including its faithful reinstatement which we feel should remain everyone’s preferred outcome. This approach re-presents the building to the city and people of Glasgow after too many years behind scaffolding, and will serve as a visible reminder if any were needed of why it is so important.
The Glasgow School of Art has concluded that the School cannot take forward the faithful reinstatement of the Mackintosh building on its own. That is true: a building of such national importance requires a national response if future generations are not to curse us for its loss or mutilation. We need leadership from the Scottish and UK Governments to find the resources needed to ensure the faithful reinstatement of the Mackintosh Building, and to secure its future as a revitalised creative hub serving Glasgow, Scotland and the world.”
This is a further hopeful sign of leading professional bodies providing clear signposting as to what is needed to secure the future of the building.
Sources:
1. Statement from RIBA
2. Statement from RIAS.
22nd July 2026 – The Glasgow School of Art has finally announced that it cannot afford to restore the destroyed Charles Rennie Mackintosh building. [1] In essence they have revealed that the long-awaited insurance settlement falls short of the amount needed to rebuild the world heritage building and that they are seeking other sources of funding to complete the project. [1][2] Their next move will be to further stabilise the remaining structure with a mix of temporary and permanent measures to allow removal of the current scaffolding which is effectively eating money that they would prefer to retain. They have published both a Conservation Management Plan [2] and a ‘Strategic Outline Business Case Addendum’ [3] detailing the overall context of the project and the steps that they can take. Several hours after the announcement the situation has already attracted much criticism and comment. We will analyse the new information and add further detail here in the coming days.
Sources:
1. BBC News report
2. GSA Conservation Management Plan (PDF)
3. GSA Strategic Outline Business Case Addendum (PDF)
We’re receiving a lot of reactions to today’s news via our social media channels and we thought it might be interesting to reflect the various views here. We’ll update the chart below during this week.
20th July 2026 – The Glasgow School of Art have issued a press release in response to yesterday‘s Sunday Post newspaper report which implied that the Mackintosh building would not be reinstated.
“The speculative story relating to the Mackintosh Building in today’s Sunday Post is not accurate. An announcement relating to investment in the future of the building, which will confirm our
commitment to it, will be made on Wednesday.”
Source:
1. The Glasgow School of Art Press Office
19th July 2026 – Scotland’s Sunday Post newspaper published a report [1] that the Charles Rennie Mackintosh designed Glasgow School of Art building will not be restored. The article by Mark Aitken reports an imminent announcement by GSA Director Penny Macbeth outlining a plan to retain the Mackintosh facade which would enclose a new, modern structure within. Macbeth and her predecessors have previously held to the publicly stated declaration that the building would be “faithfully reinstated”.
This development follows a prolonged period of near-silence from the GSA whilst a confidential insurance arbitration process was ongoing. An announcement about the outcome of this had been expected in March 2026 but has not yet been made.
If true this catastrophic development indicates that the arbitration process has failed to secure full funding for the Mackintosh Building’s restoration ( estimated to be at least £350m ). It seems likely that this outcome may precipitate a wider global reaction from those with an interest in the building.
It is odd that with a wall of silence from The GSA for months that this story should somehow now ‘leak’ at this time. If the arbitration result reveals that the building was not adequately insured that surely raises questions of competence and management. Questions of whether The GSA’s management are fit and proper stewards of this world heritage building must surely arise and other options to fund its restoration be called for.
More news here as events unfold.
Source:
1. Sunday Post article
Earlier updates
May 2026
23rd May 2026 marked the 12th anniversary of the first fire which inflicted significant damage on the GSA building.
It has been too long and it is time this nightmare was ended we say.
May 2026
A judgment by The Scottish Government on the future of the GSA-adjacent O2 ABC site has been delayed. Proposals to build an ‘unacceptably high and inappropriate’ student accommodation complex on the site were approved by Glasgow City Council in June 2025. Objections to the decision at the time, including from the GSA, centred on the impact of the scheme on Mackintosh’s GSA building especially site lines to and from the building. As a result The Scottish Government called in the application and was due to deliver a report to ministers at the beginning of May 2026. It has been reported that this timeline has now slipped to end of May / early June.[1]
Meanwhile the GSA building remains shrouded in a plastic tent whilst an insurance claim to fund its restoration heads for arbitration. This process too appears delayed; an announcement having been expected in March 2026 but not yet made.[2]
Sources:
1. glasgowlive
2. Charles Rennie Mackintosh Society
Retrieved 7/5/26
February 2026
Link to article [ Paywalled but free to read for first time users. A summary of the article is also available unrestricted on the website of The Charles Rennie Mackintosh Society ]
Retrieved 3/2/26
January 2026
2025
BBC News report link. [1]
Posted 16/6/25
2024
Retrieved: 12/9/24
Article by Rowan Moore of The Observer examining the issues surrounding the fire-damaged GSA Mackintosh Building’s restoration.
Link to article[ Paywalled but free to read for first time users. ]
2023
Posted 15/6/23
Earlier events to follow.
Source:
1. BBC News article on GSA insurance dispute
Source:
1. The Architects’ Journal report on the final SFRS investigation
Source:
1. The Architects’ Journal article on the GSA faithful reinstatement search
Source:
1. The Architects’ Journal report on the Scottish Government inquiry decision
Source:
1. BBC News coverage of Muriel Gray’s parliamentary testimony
A second, significantly more catastrophic fire tears through the nearly refurbished Mackintosh building and spreads into the adjacent Sauchiehall Street O2 ABC music venue. The Mackintosh building was in a highly vulnerable and flammable state due to the complex scaffolding and ongoing construction works. Over 120 firefighters were deployed to combat the massive blaze, which quickly engulfed all floors of the Category A-listed building. The structural integrity of the property was completely compromised, leaving only a burnt-out stone shell and forcing the school to terminate its £25 million restoration contract with the construction firm Kier. [1]
Source:
1. Past Glasgow public updates on GSA building contracts
Sources:
1. BBC News announcement on Brad Pitt and Peter Capaldi fundraising
2. UK Government press release on the £5 million GSA grant
An initial fire breaks out in an exhibition space used by a student, spreading rapidly through the Mackintosh Building at the Glasgow School of Art [1]. The official statement confirmed that the blaze originated from an Epson projector mounted on a shelf in a north basement studio. The heat from the projector ignited gases from a canister of expanding foam being used to fabricate art installation panels. While firefighters managed to salvage up to 80% of the building’s historic collections, the world-famous Charles Rennie Mackintosh library in the west wing was entirely destroyed.
Source:
2. Photo: James Dey (Facebook).