The £20million effort to restore one of Scotland's architectural gems to its former glory has begun, with Glasgow School of Art officially launching its search for a design team to lead the restoration of the Mackintosh Building.

The GSA is looking for an architectural team to lead the "reconstruction and renovation" of the building which was partially destroyed by a calamitous fire in May.

It has put out a call for "architect-led, multi- disciplinary design" teams to lead the project to revitalise the building.

Last week a large temporary roof was placed over the west end of the building to protect it from the winter elements.

Now that part of the building is water proof, the experts from the school are to 3D-scan the interior to begin recording the exact state of the building before any restoration begins in.

Both the UK Government and the Scottish Government have pledged £5m to the GSA's £20m appeal.

The Art School is anticipating that architects from across the world will be interested in the prospect of leading the project.

Douglas Anderson, the Estates Development Project Manager for the GSA, said: "The Mackintosh Building is studied in architecture departments across the globe as an example of almost unmatched design with generations of architects inspired by Mackintosh's masterpiece.

"The chance to lead the restoration is a once in a life time opportunity and we are anticipating that there will be significant interest from design teams both in the UK and beyond."

Interested teams have been asked to register an expression of interest by November 10.

Following this a shortlist of will be drawn up and these teams invited to submit a full tender.

The design team will be appointed in spring 2015.