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.
A Scottish Fire and Rescue Service spokesman said: ‘We received a report by 999 call around 6.18pm.
‘There are 11 appliances in attendance.
A huge blaze has broken out in a building above an iconic nightclub in Glasgow
Nearby buildings have had to be evacuated as firefighters tackled the flames
Flames were seen leaping from the roof in Glasgow‘s Merchant City.
‘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.
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.’
