Firefighters tackling the fire that broke out yesterday
Written by Midlothian View Reporter, Liam Eunson
The cause of a fire that started in the ground-floor of a commercial unit in Union Street, Glasgow, causing the four-story structure to partially collapse, will be investigated by a multi-agency team.
However, the Scottish Fire and Rescue Service (SFRS) cannot at this early stage speculate on what happened.
More than 200 firefighters in total have been involved in the effort to make the area safe since the alarm was raised at 3.46pm on Sunday 8 March.
As of the morning of Monday 9 March, eight fire appliances and three high reach vehicles remain at the scene.
At the height of the incident, 18 fire appliances and specialist resources, including a high-volume pump drawing water from the River Clyde, were deployed to the scene.
There are no reported casualties, either members of the public or SFRS staff, however the fire has caused extensive damage to the building and the loss of the building’s dome.
Crews are working to cool off hotspots within the stonework and assist structural engineers in assessing the stability of the remaining building.
A Scottish Fire and Rescue Service spokesperson said: “This has been a significant incident in Glasgow city centre, which has involved hundreds of firefighters working tirelessly since yesterday afternoon.
“We have now scaled back and eight appliances, including three high-reach vehicles, remain in attendance.
“The initial response involved crews from Glasgow and Lanarkshire, however any incident on this level would need to draw on resources from across Scotland as we bring in relief crews to take over.
“We cannot speculate on the cause of the fire at this time. In line with fire investigation protocols, a multi-agency investigation will be conducted, however due to the significant damage that has occurred this may be hampered.”
Members of the public are still advised to avoid the area where possible, and nearby residents should keep windows closed as a precaution.
Due to the proximity of the incident to the railway infrastructure and the presence of significant debris, Glasgow Central Station remains closed.
The International Women's Day gathering at Bilston Miners Welfare on Sunday
Written by Midlothian View Reporter, Liam Eunson
Women from across Midlothian came together at Bilston Miners Welfare on Sunday 8 March to celebrate International Women’s Day at an event organised by local MP Kirsty McNeill.
The gathering brought together 125 Midlothian women to recognise their achievements and the contributions they have made in their communities.
Nearly 70 women were also nominated for a community recognition award, highlighting the positive impact they have in their neighbourhoods, workplaces and families.
The nominees included founders of local community groups, leaders of choirs, advocates for people with disabilities and teachers who have gone above and beyond to support young people. They also included mothers, grandmothers, daughters and friends who have been sources of support and inspiration to those around them.
Midlothian MP Kirsty McNeill, who organised the event, said:
“International Women’s Day is an opportunity to recognise the incredible contributions women make across Midlothian. We are so lucky to have so many local women who work tirelessly to support their neighbours, build and advocate for our local communities and inspire those around them.
“The number of nominations we received is a testament to just how many remarkable women there are in Midlothian, and it was a privilege to spend the afternoon celebrating their achievements.”
International Women’s Day is celebrated around the world each year on 8 March, honouring the achievements of women and promoting women’s rights.
Play Therapy Base Children's Board logo designed by the children on the board
Written by Midlothian View Reporter, Liam Eunson
Midlothian based children’s therapy service, Play Therapy Base, have recently launched a Children’s Board to allow the young people they help to advise and guide a Board of Trustees in their responsibility running the charity.
The launch of the board on February 18 comes after their recent 15 year anniversary and creates a unique opportunity for children to have control over the therapy alongside providing the charity’s trustees with guidance on changes in operation straight from the children they help.
With the Children’s Board explaining in a promotional leaflet they made that the Children and Young People’s Commissioner ‘works for us, we are really their boss’, the launch provides a rare chance for the children to take control of some activities on offer.
During the launch on February 18, a group of children between the ages of 7 to 12 gathered for hot chocolate and cookies to create logos, leaflets and ideas on what people should know about Play Therapy Base.
The launch also now gives the children a chance to edit Play Therapy Base’s existing leaflets to add their name and information to give to staff at school or a parent or guardian who may not understand why the child needs time away at therapy with co-founder Linda Cuthbert explaining that often teachers may not understand why children leave class to ‘play’ despite the activities being a form of essential therapy.
Linda also explained: “Play Therapy Base was set up for children living in the Lothians to have a child centred Play Therapy Service.
“I am delighted as we celebrate our 15th year to have the children who have experienced our service join together to form our Children’s Board. They will work with our Board to grow and develop the service into the future.”
Play Therapy Base supports children aged 3 to 14 years old and their families who live in the Lothians. Operating out of Midlothian, the charity offers a special way for children to learn about their world through using toys.
The charity explained: “Some children choose to explore things they find hard, or that are worrying them, through play. For some it is a chance to practise skills of sharing and turn-taking so they can build new friendships. For other children, play therapy sessions may provide a space to have time on their own without chaos or interruptions.”
They offer 1 to 1 therapy, therapeutic play, assistance with school work and parent and carer consultations.
For more information on Play Therapy Base, visit their website.
