On the evening of December 27, 2025, the heart of Glasgow’s city centre was rocked by a dramatic blaze that tore through the upper floors of a historic building, sending plumes of smoke and orange flames into the night sky. The fire, which broke out around 6:19pm at the Revolver Hotel on Virginia Street, quickly drew an overwhelming response from emergency services and left a swath of the Merchant City district cordoned off as firefighters battled to bring the inferno under control.
According to the Scottish Fire and Rescue Service, the alarm was raised at 6:18pm via a 999 call, prompting the rapid dispatch of eleven fire appliances, including two high-reach vehicles, to the scene. The fire was described as “well developed,” affecting the fourth floor of the four-storey building that houses the Revolver Hotel and the well-known LGBTQ+ nightclub, Polo Lounge. Flames and thick black smoke were seen billowing from the rooftop, with videos posted on social media capturing the dramatic scene as emergency crews worked under blue-lit engines while onlookers watched in shock.
Eyewitness Ian Diamond, owner of Bigglestones Books on Glassford Street, recounted the confusion and concern that gripped the area as the fire took hold. “Crowds of people had been evacuated from the building into Virginia Street. Staff from affected businesses told us that everyone had been evacuated safely but the crowd watching was really in shock,” Diamond told the Daily Record. “Several LGBTQ businesses will be very badly affected by this fire. Polo Lounge, Riding Room, Delmonicas and Revolver Hotel. House of Gods and nearby homeless shelter are in real danger.”
The blaze’s proximity to several iconic venues—especially those serving Glasgow’s LGBTQ+ community—amplified anxieties among business owners, staff, and patrons. The Revolver Hotel, which opened in August 2022 as an LGBTQ+-friendly boutique destination above the Polo Lounge, and the recently renovated House of Gods hotel, which launched in April 2024 with its opulent Garden of Eden-themed rooftop bar, were both directly impacted. The House of Gods hotel, located in an adjoining building, was swiftly evacuated, as were other nearby properties including The Trades Hall, Spires Serviced Suites, and the Homeless Project Scotland soup kitchen.
In a statement, The Trades Hall—a historic venue itself—confirmed: “Unfortunately due to a fire near Polo Lounge, The Trades Hall has been evacuated as a safety precaution along with House of Gods, Spires Serviced Suites and Homeless Project Scotland. Glassford Street is also closed. There will be no access to Trades Hall until the fire officers give permission to re-enter the building.”
The Homeless Project Scotland soup kitchen, a vital resource for the city’s vulnerable population, was also forced to close its doors. On social media, the organization assured the public: “Everyone is safe. Emergency services attended. For safety reasons, the soup kitchen is now CLOSED until further notice while the situation is assessed. We will share updates as soon as we have confirmation on reopening or alternative arrangements. Thank you to everyone for your understanding, patience, and support.”
As firefighters worked tirelessly to subdue the flames, Glasgow City Council took swift action to secure the area, closing Glassford Street to all traffic between Ingram Street and Trongate. The council advised motorists to avoid the area entirely, as emergency vehicles and hoses snaked across the city streets. According to GlasgowWorld, the closure and evacuations were necessary to ensure public safety as the situation remained fluid and unpredictable.
Despite the ferocity of the fire and the scale of the emergency response, there was a notable absence of casualties. The Scottish Fire and Rescue Service confirmed, “There are no reported casualties and crews remain at the scene.” This sentiment was echoed by all organizations involved, including the Homeless Project Scotland and the evacuated hotels. By 8pm, witnesses reported that the flames had been largely extinguished, though firefighters continued to douse the remnants and monitor the site for flare-ups.
Videos and images shared widely on social media painted a vivid picture of the chaos and drama that unfolded. Footage showed firefighters pacing the street, flames licking the rooftop, and thick smoke pouring into the night. Sirens blared as concerned pedestrians and motorists gathered at the police barriers, many capturing the moment on their phones or simply standing in stunned silence. One onlooker, speaking to The Scottish Sun, said, “We were at a Christmas carol concert a few doors down when we were told we had to get out. I could smell the smoke as soon as I got outside. The flames were shooting up into the sky. People were watching on horrified.”
For the businesses at the centre of the fire, the impact is likely to be significant. The Revolver Hotel and Polo Lounge, both fixtures of Glasgow’s vibrant LGBTQ+ nightlife, face an uncertain future as the extent of the damage is assessed. Ian Diamond voiced the concerns of many in the community, noting that “staff, performers, and punters are wondering what this means for their livelihood and historic safe space.” The House of Gods hotel, with its recent investment in luxury and themed experiences, also faces disruption at the height of the festive season.
Yet, even as the flames were brought under control, the city’s resilience was on display. ScotRail, responding to commuter inquiries, confirmed that city centre train services at Argyle Street and High Street stations remained unaffected by the incident, offering a small measure of normalcy amid the upheaval. Emergency services, local authorities, and community organizations coordinated efforts to ensure safety and provide information, with updates shared across social media and news outlets throughout the evening.
Glasgow’s city centre, renowned for its historic architecture and bustling nightlife, has faced its share of challenges over the years, from economic shifts to previous fires that have threatened its heritage buildings. The building at the heart of this latest incident, once the Scottish Legal Life Building designed by Alexander Skirving in 1889, is among the city’s earliest red sandstone commercial structures—a testament to Glasgow’s rich history but also a reminder of the vulnerabilities of its aging infrastructure.
As the dust settles and investigations begin into the cause of the fire, attention will inevitably turn to the recovery and rebuilding process. For the affected businesses and the broader community, the hope is that their cherished venues and safe spaces can be restored. In the meantime, the swift actions of emergency services and the absence of casualties stand as a testament to the city’s preparedness and the solidarity of its people in the face of adversity.
