A BUSY Barrhead sports centre was evacuated after black smoke was seen billowing from the building.

The alarm was raised at the Foundry Centre at around 9.47am this morning.

Two fire crews were dispatched to the scene to deal with the incident.

A spokesperson for Scottish Fire and Rescue said: “We received several reports of smoke coming from a sports centre on Main Street in Barrhead.

“The first call came in at around 9.47am.

“We have dispatched two units who are currently on the scene.”

One witness reported that a pallet had caught fire on the roof of the building – which was confirmed by the fire service.

Barrhead Foundry has since reopened as normal however the gym and upstairs changing room will be closed for the rest of the day.

An East Renfrewshire Council spokesman said: “Barrhead Foundry was evacuated this morning following a small fire on the roof of the building.

"The incident was dealt with quickly by Scottish Fire and Rescue, with customers able to re-enter the building as soon as the necessary safety checks were carried out.

"Due to some damage to a section of the roof, the gym and upstairs changing rooms will remain closed for the rest of the day, although the rest of the facility will operate as normal."