Emergency services tackled a fire at a former engineering works on Glasgow’s South Side.

Four appliances battled the blaze at the disused James Howden Engineering Works in Tradeston which is next to Charles Rennie Mackintosh's Scotland Street School.

Thick black smoke could be seen across parts of the M8 and dramatic video footage shows a fierce blaze taking hold of the building.

The site has lain empty for around 20 years, and was earmarked for a major new residential and commercial development including 230 new homes and other business units.

Paul Sweeney, MP for Glasgow North tweeted: “Sad to see a fire take hold of the historic James Howden Engineering Works in Tradeston, one of the last examples of such a heavy engineering works left in Glasgow, dating from 1898. It latterly built the boring machines for the Channel Tunnel.”

Read more: Flat and business plans lodged for former howdens engineering works 

A Scottish Fire and Rescue Service spokeswoman confirmed they were in attendance.

She said: "We currently have four appliances on the scene.”