The Glasgow School of Art would like to thank the Committee for the time and energy that has been put into this report and for making it available so quickly.
There is much to be welcomed that will be useful for those who, like the GSA, are custodians of some of Scotland’s most important historic buildings. As a nation we are rightly proud of being able to provide unique places of learning, whose history continues to inspire generations of students. It is one of the significant factors in attracting students to Scotland.
There are always lessons that can be learned, and we are happy to take forward the most appropriate and helpful as we bring this much-loved building back to life. Equally, these are lessons that will be of value to other institutions across the country.
The report, however, includes a worrying number of factual inaccuracies in areas that we have already fully addressed in the parliamentary process. We have prepared our initial response to these points which can be found below. The GSA will also preparing a formal response.
We would like to express our surprise that the report does not expressly clarify the legal distinction between the GSA and Kier Construction (Scotland) Ltd in relation to responsibility for the site. Evidence on this distinction was submitted to the Committee. It is important to understand that Keir had full control of the site. Further, whilst we have endeavoured to share as much information as possible Kier do not appear to have done so, and this must be as disappointing to the Committee as it has been to us.
The Mackintosh Building remains core to, and inseparable from, the teaching and learning of the GSA, as indeed it has been for over 100 years. It is what makes Glasgow’s Art School unique, and is a central part of the School’s position as a globally recognised centre of excellence in Art and Design (https://gsamediacentre.co.uk/2019/03/the-glasgow-school-of-art-is-8th-in.html). It is also central to the education of generations of creative and innovative graduates who are staying in Glasgow in record numbers and playing a vital role across the city’s economy and society.
The Mackintosh Building is a national (indeed international) treasure, but it is not lost and it will certainly return.
Ends
For further information contact: Lesley Booth, 07799414474 / press@gsa.ac.uk
GSA’s Initial Response – Summary
A summary of the GSA’s initial response to the Report’s recommendations is available at the following link: http://www.gsa.ac.uk/about-gsa/key-information/mackintosh-building-fire-15-june-2018/report-from-scottish-parliament-cteeac/