The Scottish Secretary mistakenly said the blaze, which is believed to have begun on Sunday afternoon from a vape shop on Union Street, affected the Forsyth building.

In a post on Twitter/X, he wrote: “The Blue Lagoon has for many years been a much loved Glasgow institution & the whole Forsyth building has been one of Glasgow’s many architectural gems. Such shocking, saddening news.”

The Blue Lagoon has for many years been a much loved Glasgow institution & the whole Forsyth building has been one of Glasgow’s many architectural gems. Such shocking, saddening news. https://t.co/pBk0xt2pk6

— Douglas Alexander (@D_G_Alexander) March 9, 2026

The blaze did not affect the Forsyth Building, which stands on the opposite corner to where the fire took hold.

The Forsyth building (Image: CBRE)

Alexander has faced criticism online for the error, with Past Glasgow – a popular account focused on Glasgow’s history – writing: “Just the Secretary of State for Scotland misidentifying the building that burned down yesterday.

“On the bright side, he’ll be delighted to find that the ‘Forsyth building’ is still standing on the opposite corner.”

Just the Secretary of State for Scotland misidentifying the building that burned down yesterday. On the bright side, he’ll be delighted to find that the “Forsyth building” is still standing on the opposite corner. https://t.co/bSlPqljnoy

— Past Glasgow (@PastGlasgow) March 9, 2026

READ MORE: Live updates as disruption continues after fire near Glasgow Central

Alexander is not the first politician to misidentify the building which was devastated by the fire.

On Sunday night, as the blaze was at its peak, Scottish Labour MSP Paul Sweeney wrote on Twitter/X : “It’s awful to see this fire on Union Street flare up again tonight and take full hold of the Forsyth Building.

“I hope all the firefighters stay safe and that they can save this B-listed building, which dates back to 1851, when it was built for the decorating firm John Orr & Sons.”

Paul Sweeney (Image: Twitter/X)

The error was later repeated in media reports, including the BBC .

Sweeney later tweeted : “Sadly the building has now partially collapsed. I hope the fire can be contained. The corner of the Forsyth Building, as well as the Caledonian Chambers and Central Hotel seem unaffected.”

As of 6.30am on Tuesday, four fire engines and two high reach appliances remained at the scene.

Glasgow Central Station – which is thought to have escaped any major damage – will remain closed on Tuesday, with disruption expected to last for several days.