AMBITIOUS plans to turn Glasgow’s former Stow College into an "inspirational and truly world class” teaching space for fine art students have been delayed by months, it has emerged.

Glasgow School of Art (GSA) is redeveloping the 1930s buildings as part of an £80 million campus expansion, with the new facility originally expected to open after the summer.

But now it has emerged this has been delayed until the end of the next academic year, with students only allowed “phased access” before then.

A spokeswoman for GSA said the delay was “disappointing”, but insisted fine art students would still have access to top-class facilities across existing buildings.

She said it was hoped the newly revamped building will fully open in time for 2019’s Degree Show.

It comes as staff at the art school continue to deal with the fall-out from Friday’s devastating fire, which ripped through the world-famous Mackintosh building.

GSA’s plans for the former Stow College include adorning its exterior with a massive work by artist Ross Sinclair.

Once open, students and staff will also be able to enjoy its serrated copper roof extension, complete with large windows gazing over the north and west of the city.