Nicola Sturgeon has told the UK Government to “play its part” in helping Glasgow recover from the devastating Union Street fire.
She is one of seven SNP politicians in Holyrood demanding action in a letter to Chancellor Rachel Reeves.
It is one of the former first minister’s final acts as an elected representative.
Following the letter, the UK Government has hinted that it may be prepared to financially contribute.
There has been significant disruption in the city centre following the March 8 blaze, with more than 70 businesses losing their premises.
The landmark B-listed Victorian building near Glasgow Central Station was destroyed and had to be demolished.
A £10 million recovery support package was announced earlier this month by the Scottish Government, which will include cash for businesses previously housed in the Union Corner building.
Ministers at Holyrood also allocated up to £1 million to help with demolition costs and uprated the non-domestic rates hardship relief from 75% to 95%.
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The UK Government has faced numerous calls to assist with funding but has yet to confirm any action.
Former first minister Humza Yousaf signed the letter, alongside Kaukab Stewart, Ivan McKee, Bill Kidd, Bob Doris and James Dornan.
It said: “We write as Members of the Scottish Parliament representing Glasgow in the aftermath of the fire at Union Street corner.
“This incident has devastated Glaswegians and the impact it has had on local businesses, our city centre, and Scotland’s busiest train station has been colossal.”
The letter welcomed action from the SNP-run Scottish Government but added: “We agree with Glasgow City Council that the UK Government must also play their part.
“Therefore, we write today to call on the UK Government to step up and play their part in helping Glasgow recover from this incident which has done so much damage.
“We request that the UK Government to match, in full, the funding committed by the Scottish Government for this site.”
It demands the UK Government helps the local authority rebuild the area in “decisive and timely action”.
The letter also suggests UK ministers can “help restore confidence among residents, businesses and investors”, while also contributing to “the long-term economic resilience” of the city centre.
It concluded: “As Scotland’s largest city and a key economic driver, Glasgow deserves financial support from the UK Government.”
Following the fire, Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer said his thoughts were with those who lost their businesses and said the city had suffered “far too many” fires in historic buildings.
He said at PMQs: “The people of Glasgow have seen far too many historic buildings suffer terrible fires over the last few years and that’s why we are investing to protect heritage buildings in England but we’ll keep an eye on the situation.”
It followed a question from Glasgow North MP Martin Rhodes, who asked if the Prime Minister would support efforts to rebuild.
Now, the UK Treasury has told The Herald that it is “exploring all available avenues of funding”.
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A spokesman said: “While it is too early to say what investment will be needed, the UK Government is exploring all available avenues of funding which may be able to contribute in the long-term to restoring this part of Glasgow to its former glory.”
Finance Secretary Shona Robison had previously told the UK Government to “finally step up” and provide financial support following demands from Susan Aitken, the leader of Glasgow City Council.
Earlier this month, Ms Sturgeon was criticised for missing a discussion on the fire in the Scottish Parliament.
Scottish Tory MSP Annie Wells said it was “disappointing” that Ms Sturgeon “didn’t bother” to ask any questions about the fire which impacted many of her constituents.
Scottish Labour’s Paul Sweeney, said: “These are just two recent instances of Nicola Sturgeon failing to turn up to fulfil her responsibilities as an MSP for our city, but she has barely been seen at Holyrood since standing down as First Minister three years ago.”
Ms Sturgeon stepped down as first minister in February 2023 and announced she would not seek re-election for the Glasgow Southside constituency in May. She was first elected on the regional ballot in 1999 and has served for 27 years.
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