THE Theatre Royal has recently had a £14.5million refurbishment, but on November 3, 1969 the historic site was almost destroyed by fire.

At that time it was then the studios for Scottish Television and it was the first day STV had trialled colour television. The blaze started at 4.20pm during an interview on the Scotland Early programme. Smoke drifted into the studio and the programme ended abruptly.

Fire crews from Central Fire Station rushed to the studios and it turned out to be a tragic battle for them because it ended with the death of 35-year-old fireman Archie McLay.

The blaze started in the sub-basement, 30ft below ground, and when crews arrived the building was filled with thick, black smoke.

A total of 90 firefighters turned up to the building with bosses at the scene deciding to use high expansion foam to put out the blaze. Glasgow was the first city in the UK to adopt the technique, usually used in mine fires, for regular firefighting.

Foam was pumped into the studios at such a rate that fresh supplies had to be brought in from Paisley. And, as can be seen from our picture, lots of it ended up in Renfrew Street.

The fire burned for 10 hours and many firemen were hurt. A plaque honouring Mr McLay now sits in Hope Street outside the theatre entrance.