Glasgow Art School closure 'could impact local community'

Students from Glasgow School of Art claim the closure of the university's bar and music venue could affect local charities.

More than 30 people will lose their jobs after The Art School was forced into liquidation, following months of financial trouble.

MHA Henderson Loggie has been appointed liquidator of GSASA Limited.

GSASA Ltd reduced trading in November last year while options to put the business on a sustainable financial footing were explored.

However Shona Campbell of MHA Henderson Loggie has since been appointed as the liquidator of the Company.

GSASA employs 1 full time and 2 part time members of staff, and 29 people on zero hours contracts.

Shona said: "Despite considerable efforts, the board has been unable to establish a sustainable future for the business against a backdrop of continued tough trading conditions.

"All staff were made redundant with immediate effect, although all casual staff members ceased work at the end of October last year. We will provide support for those who qualify to obtain their full entitlements."

A spokesman for GSASA Limited said: "GSASA Limited has engaged with key stakeholders with the aim of putting the Company on a sustainable financial footing.

"Unfortunately, this engagement has proved unsuccessful and the Company’s board has been left with no option but to enter into compulsory liquidation with immediate effect."

21-year old Flora Robson studies there, she said: "What makes Glasgow School of Art so unique was the fact that our student association was a huge focal point.

"The second Macintosh fire in 2018 meant that our campus is quite divided, so the student's association allowed for the various departments to all group together in one place.

"The loss of the Art School will also lead to the loss of a variety of charities that were supported by events held at the art school.

"Following the fire, it really put a downer on the Glasgow School of Art and all the students attending it.

"It was such a devastating loss so this really just becomes a second blow to everyone studying there."

Hear the latest news on Clyde 1 on FM, DAB, smart speaker or the Rayo app.