Cranes move in to Celtic supporters club gutted by fire as stores remain closed

Cranes have moved in to the site of a Celtic supporters club which was gutted by fire as the probe into the blaze continues.

Vehicles from mobile crane hire firm Forsyth of Denny were spotted at the Irvine No 1 Celtic Supporters Club this afternoon.

Workers in orange hi-vis clothing were seen surveying the Ayrshire building, which also houses a former shopping centre called the Forum.

A strong chemical burning smell still hangs heavy in the air at the site, which is next to the town's River Irvine.

The blaze was so fierce that flames caused damage to the Poundland store in the Rivergate Shopping Centre, which is next to the Forum.

The store remains closed, with a sign in the window saying the premises suffered water and fire damage.

Police Scotland confirmed today, Thursday, February 5, 2026, that the investigation into the blaze is ongoing.

Chief Inspector Judith Macgregor, Local Commander for North Ayrshire, said: “We were called to a report of a fire at a premises on West Road, Irvine, around 11.50pm on Monday, 2 February, 2026.

“Emergency services remain in attendance, but no injuries have been reported. The fire is being treated as wilful, and enquiries are ongoing.

“We’d like to thank our emergency partners for their ongoing efforts and the public for their patience.”

A Scottish Fire and Rescue Service spokesperson said: “We were alerted at 11.34pm on Monday, 2 February to reports of a building on fire at Low Green Road, Irvine.

“Operations Control mobilised six fire appliances and two height vehicles to the area and firefighters extinguished a fire affecting a commercial building.

“There were no reported casualties and crews left the scene after ensuring the area was made safe.”

Poundland, Irvine No1 Celtic Supporters Club and Forsyth of Denny were all approached for comment.

A Poundland spokesperson said: "Thankfully no one was injured.  We've been working hard today assessing what we need to do before we can reopen."