Fire crews are battling a major blaze near two top hotels in the city centre of Glasgow.
Emergency services were called to Wilson Street shortly after 6pm after reports of a fire with 11 engines despatched to the scene.
Eyewitness reports and images from the scene suggest that the blaze has taken hold at buildings above the city’s iconic Polo Lounge nightclub.
Two hotels – House of Gods, and Revolver Hotel – have been named in seperate reports as being on fire.
Footage from the scene shows huge flames coming from the roof of the building. It is not currently known if there are any injuries.
In a statement on Instagram, the founder of House of Gods, Mike Baxter said ‘everyone on our side is safe’, adding they don’t yet know the extent of the damage.
He said: ‘As many of you will be aware there has been a serious fire incident in the property next door to House of Gods Glasgow.
‘First and foremost – everyone on our side is safe and we’ve been informed that the fire is now contained.
‘Emergency services attended immediately and we’re incredibly grateful for their swift response.
A huge blaze has broken out in a building above an iconic nightclub in Glasgow
Firefighters are seen tackling a huge blaze in the centre of the city
A statement from House of Gods on Instagram reads ‘everyone on our side is safe’
Buildings close by were evacuated after flames were seen leaping from the roof in Glasgow’s Merchant City
Huge flames were seen close to the House of Gods in Glasgow
‘Our team acted with exceptional professionalism and I’m incredibly proud of everyone involved and thank our guests affected for their understanding.
‘What we don’t know is the extent of any damage to House of Gods, we continue to monitor the situation closely and will share updates when they become available.
‘At this time we have no information regarding the situation next door and our thoughts are with them.
A Scottish Fire and Rescue Service spokesman said: ‘We received a report by 999 call around 6.18pm.
‘There are 11 appliances in attendance.
‘The incident is ongoing.’
Crowds of shocked festive revellers could be seen looking on, while plumes of smoke from the blaze could be seen from further away.
Buildings close by were evacuated after flames were seen leaping from the roof in Glasgow’s Merchant City.
The hotel is next to legendary gay club Polo Lounge. The blaze broke out less than two hours before revellers were due to attend a sold-out meet and greet with TV drag queen Bailey J Mills at the nightclub.
Buildings close by were evacuated with people seen gathered out on the street
Flames were seen leaping from the roof in Glasgow’s Merchant City
The blaze broke out less than two hours before revellers were due to attend a sold-out meet and greet with TV drag queen Bailey J Mills at the nightclub
Fire crews are seen battling the fire – with a police cordon set up at the scene
Crowds of shocked festive revellers could be seen looking on, while plumes of smoke from the blaze could be seen from further away
The Homeless Project Scotland said a soup kitchen it was operating near the scene of the fire was evacuated as a precaution.
In a statement posted online, the charity said everyone was safe.
It added: ‘For safety reasons, the soup kitchen is now closed until further notice while the situation is assessed.
‘We will share updates as soon as we have confirmation on reopening or alternative arrangements.
‘Thank you to everyone for your understanding, patience, and support.’
A statement from Glasgow City Council read: ‘Due to a building fire, Glassford Street has been closed to all traffic between Ingram Street and Trongate. Road users are advised to avoid this area.’
