Glaswegians have said they are optimistic about the city’s future after the streets around Glasgow Central fully reopened, four months on from the devastating fire.
At midday on Friday, Union Street reopened for vehicles and pedestrians as barriers were brought down.
The remaining entrances to Glasgow Central, including the Gordon Street entrance, also opened to the public again.
Some city residents stopped to take pictures of the vacant site where the Union Corner building once stood.
The B-listed building was mostly destroyed by the fire and its remaining facade was demolished due to safety fears, meaning that the usually busy city centre site has been shut for months.
The city council hopes to find a temporary use for the site before any permanent redevelopment is decided.
Lisa Beaver, 44, said it had been “upsetting” to see the Union Corner structure go up in flames.
The primary school teacher said: “It’s looking much better, it’s a dramatic change from a few months ago when we couldn’t walk past it.
“It’s a happy time for everyone.”
She added: “People make Glasgow anyway so, whatever happens, I’m sure it’ll be positive.”
Lucy Cairns manages a dental practice a short distance from the site of the fire.
She said new business was down by about 25% due to the disruption caused by the fire and the road closures.
The area had felt “stagnant” until now, she said, adding: “It’s really exciting to see it open again for us, it’s huge progress.
“The countdown has very much been at the forefront of our mind.”
Alex Findlay, 78, said: “It’s great to see it open up again. It was quite a shock when I got the news about the big fire.”
He said there is a much better view of the surrounding area now that the Union Corner building is no longer there.
Mr Findlay said: “I’d like to see more open spaces in the city.
“I think the city’s doing quite well.
“A lot of people are moaning about Glasgow.
“But for me, over 70 years, I’ve seen a lot of great improvement.”
