DETAILED work has begun to assess the condition of the fire-ravaged Glasgow School of Art (GSA).

GSA said a team of experts had been able to enter the Mackintosh building to start examining the damage and were “optimistic”.

The team included staff from GSA’s school of simulation and visualisation and from Glasgow City Council, Historic Environment Scotland and specialist structural engineers David Narro Associates.

Detailed photography and aerial drone footage as well as a 3D visualisation of the scene has been collected.

GSA director Professor Tom Inns and the chair of the board of governors, Muriel Gray, were allowed access to the site for the first time yesterday.

Gray said: “We are overwhelmed by the messages of support and offers of help from across the globe in the aftermath of Friday’s fire. There is a huge desire to see Mackintosh’s masterpiece rise again.

“However, this was one of our first proper looks at the building. As soon as we can, we will share information

with you.”

Answering an urgent question from Glasgow Central SNP MSP Alison Thewliss, Scotland Secretary David Mundell told the House of Commons he did not support calls for a public inquiry “at this stage”.