Nicola Sturgeon to speak at reopening of the bar closed by helicopter crash that killed 10
GLASGOW’S Clutha bar is set to re-open more than a year and a half since it was the site of a fatal helicopter crash.
The bar has been closed since 29 November 2013 when a police helicopter crashed through its roof killing 10 people.
Guests, who will pay tribute on the first night of its re-opening will be joined by First Minister Nicola Sturgeon. Earlier this year Sturgeon said the crash was a “tragedy” that “impacted on everyone in the city and across the country”.
“However, tragedies do not define people, cities or countries – they are defined by how we respond, how we endure and how we recover,” she said.
The Bar’s owner, Alan Crossan, was quoted in the Scotsman as saying the reopening was “very emotional”.
“Today is the day we give the Clutha back to Glasgow. Hopefully this can be a start to the process of bringing closure for the people affected. The music is coming back to the Clutha and I would like to take this opportunity to thank everyone who has helped us or thought about us over the past 600 days.”
An investigation into the crash is still ongoing . Elaine Russell, a partner at Irwin Mitchell Scotland, which are acting on behalf of the vicitims, welcomed the reopening as “an important step forward”. But she also stated: “It should be remembered that all of those who were injured or lost loved ones in the crash are still awaiting answers regarding what caused the helicopter to come down.”
The iconic bar has played host to a range of talents and celebrities over the years including including comedian Spike Milligan, actress and politician Glenda Jackson, singer songwriter Frank Zappa and trade union leader Jimmy Reid.
A famous music venue, it will host Glasgow band the Black Triangles to celebrate the reopening.
Picture courtesy of byronv2