First trains leave Glasgow Central high level after Union Street fire

As dawn broke across the city on Wednesday, March 18, the first passenger service from Glasgow to London departed from the station, crossing the Caledonian Railway Bridge over the River Clyde .

It marks the first time that some of the high-level platforms (7 to 15) at Scotland’s busiest train station have been open since the huge blaze broke out at a nearby property on Gordon Street on Sunday, March 8.

All high-level services were suspended in the immediate aftermath due to the "high level of instability" of the surviving building facade on Gordon Street.

Passengers could be seen boarding the London-bound Avanti West Coast train ahead of its departure at 5.48am.

It followed the first official departure from the high level, an empty train, which travelled towards Ayr at 5.45am.

Footage from inside the station shows that much of the upper concourse remains closed, with the shops, facilities, including toilets, and some entrances still off-limits.

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Access to the high-level platforms is currently via the low-level entrances and the Hope Street carriage driveway, which is normally only used for special events.

The entrances on Gordon Street, Union Street, and Hope Street (across from Waterloo Street) are all still shut.

Kat McGee, ScotRail’s area manager, explained that station staff are “very pleased” to welcome customers back following the partial reopening.

She further noted how commuters can get around the station during this time, including temporary entry and exit arrangements, navigating the new layout, and buying tickets.

Ms McGee said: “At busier times of the day, customers will be directed by staff to enter the station using another entrance on Hope Street, which is known as the carriage driveway.

“Once inside the high level, you’ll see a new layout, so look out for signage and staff to help. To exit the station, customers will be asked to leave via the carriage driveway onto Hope Street.

“ScotRail staff will direct you from the platforms down to the driveway, which will only be used by pedestrians.

“If you’re travelling on low-level services and getting off at Central, you’ll be asked to leave the station using both exits onto Argyle Street to help stop congestion.”

A lift is available at the station’s low-level Hope Street entrance for those who need assistance or have large luggage.

Ticket buying at Central Station at present is “very limited”, and customers are being encouraged to purchase these online or by using ScotRail’s app.

Alternatively, tickets can be bought at local ticket offices to help reduce queues and keep people moving through the station.

Meanwhile, commuters are urged not to arrive any more than 15 minutes before their train is due to leave.

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Ms McGee added: “We’ll have extra staff to help with questions and direct you to avoid congestion.

"They will be visible in orange high-vis jackets and vests. Because we’ve got a much smaller concourse, we’re asking customers to limit their time within the station by not arriving at Central more than 15 minutes before their train is due to leave.

“We know this is a big upheaval for everyone, and we appreciate your patience while these temporary arrangements are in place.”

ScotRail's Area Manager, Glasgow Central, Kat McGee, explains how customers can get around the station. pic.twitter.com/ZyOou9ZSy0

— ScotRail (@ScotRail) March 18, 2026

A full timetable of services resumed on Central's low-level platforms last week. In addition to this, several Caledonian Sleeper trains are running from the station again.

It comes as demolition works resume for a final day at the fire-ravaged building on Union Street and Gordon Street.

Teams were seen arriving at the site on Wednesday morning before being lifted high above the site by a crane.

They assessed what was left of the Glasgow landmark before tearing it down. Last week, Glasgow City Council (GCC) announced that what remained of the Victorian building was to be demolished in the interests of public safety.

A safe zone has been established around the building, which extends to Glasgow Central itself.

On Saturday, March 14, First Minister John Swinney revealed that the Scottish Government would underwrite the cost, of at least £1million, of clearing the site at Union Street.

The First Minister also announced that a recovery fund of up to £10million would be made available to support Glasgow in the aftermath of the fire, which tore through a row of buildings on the street.

This will support GCC, businesses, and agencies to help “rebuild and renew that vital part of the city”.