SFRS has handed over control of the site of a major Glasgow fire to Glasgow City Council

Public safety remains the top priority and work will now begin to assess the remaining structure and establish a safe zone while this work is underway.

SFRS will maintain a presence at the site to support partners.

At its height, 18 fire appliances and specialist resources attended the fire, which was first reported at 3.46pm on Sunday 8 March.

Close to 300 firefighters have been involved in tackling the incident over the course of four days.

Assistant Chief Officer Jon Henderson, SFRS Director of Prevention, said: “This was an incredibly challenging and complex incident which called upon resources and expertise from across the Scottish Fire and Rescue Service.

“We are extremely proud of our staff and incredibly thankful to our partners for helping to bring this incident to a safe conclusion.

“Despite the scale and intensity of this fire, no firefighters or members of the public were hurt, and some of Glasgow’s most iconic buildings were saved from further damage.

Throughout the incident, firefighters were supported with food, drinks and offers of support from the local business community and Glasgow residents.

ACO Henderson added: “The impact of this incident on the Glasgow community is enormous, and we are extremely grateful for the patience and generosity shown to our partners and us at the scene throughout.”

Once the site is secure and safe, a multi-agency investigation will take place.

ACO Henderson continued: “We recognise that there are important questions being asked about the circumstances behind this fire.

“This investigation will take time, and the priority must be to make the site safe for investigators, the public and surrounding properties.

“The extensive damage to the building will also have an impact on the investigation and its outcome.

“We are committed to a full and thorough investigation; we will not speculate on the cause or contributing factors at this time.”