SCOTTISH politicians have sought permission to enter the fire ravaged Glasgow School of Art Mackintosh building site for “photo opportunities”, the Glasgow City Council leader has said. 

Susan Aitken told dozens of displaced residents at a meeting the local authority had rejected all calls to enter the Renfrew Street building following the blaze on June 15. 

The council leader said Glasgow City Council had denied calls from the Art School and other officials to enter the building, but said it had also denied requests from an MP and Secretary of State for Scotland, David Mundell who wanted to enter the premises for what she called “photo opportunities”. 

She added: “When I spoke to David about it, he was fine but his office really wanted in.” 

Ms Aitken made the announcement while telling those who live in the exclusion zone the site was “too dangerous” for them to gain access to their properties. 

A spokeswoman for the Scotland Office said: “The Scottish Secretary visited the Glasgow School of Art shortly after the fire. 

“He met senior figures from the Art School, ‎the council and also local residents. 

“Mr Mundell made clear that the UK Government stands ready to help in whatever way is required.”

Glasgow North East Labour MP Paul Sweeney, who is a director of the Glasgow Building Preservation Trust, has visited the site with officials and First Minister, Nicola Sturgeon, made a public statement from outside the safety cordon the day after the fire.