THE experience of bus station staff during an emergency evacuation has been revealed. 

Buchanan Bus Station was evacuated on Wednesday (November 21) after police were called to a report of a "potential suspicious item" shortly after 1pm. 

It's understood the item was picked up by a scanner and staff alerted police. 

A large cordon was put in place around the station with Killermont Street and Cowcaddens Road closed to both traffic and pedestrians.

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(Image: Newsquest) A member of SPT staff, who asked to remain anonymous, says some members of bus station staff were told to divert traffic from Killermont Street for around an hour after the station was evacuated until more police arrived at the scene. 

They said the staff were told to do so by management at the request of Police Scotland. 

While diverting traffic, they said staff were subjected to "abuse" from members of the public. 

They said: "It was ridiculous. Giving the general public bus transport information, that is our job. 

"Police Scotland took about an hour to stop traffic, put the police van there and put tape up."

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However, an SPT spokesperson said staff are aware in emergency situations they can be asked "to fulfil a range of duties" to assist emergency services. 

After being evacuated, bus station staff stood outside the station before being told hours later at around 5.30pm they could go and wait inside the SPT offices on St Vincent Street. 

The source told the Glasgow Times: "We were just left standing outside until further information was coming but it was very sketchy. 

"We went to 131 [St Vincent Street] around 5.45pm because we were freezing by that time.

"There were a lot of people without house or car keys so they couldn't get home."

(Image: Colin Mearns) An SPT spokesperson said a welfare point with refreshments was arranged as soon as possible and called the attitude of staff involved "exemplary". 

They said there have been no complaints 

Some members of staff were later given accommodation for the night while transport was arranged for other people if they were able to get into their house. 

(Image: Colin Mearns) An SPT spokesperson said: "All frontline SPT staff are fully trained to deal with evacuation procedures at all our stations with the first priority being the safety of our customers.

"All staff are aware that in an emergency situation they can be asked to fulfil a range of duties to assist passengers and the emergency services often under challenging circumstances.

"Staff do this willingly, fully aware that any evolving situation can take time to resolve, and often choose to work far beyond what has been asked of them to assist those who need help.

"Something SPT is extremely grateful for.

"Yesterday’s event at the bus station evoked SPT’s contingency arrangements in an emergency situation.

"As soon as possible, a welfare point was arranged for staff evacuated from Buchanan Bus Station at SPT HQ where hot drinks/refreshments were made available.

"As staff followed the correct emergency evacuation procedures and did not collect personal belongings as they left the bus station, hotel rooms were arranged for staff who needed them and transport arranged for those who wanted to go home.

"The attitude of bus station staff involved in yesterday’s incident was exemplary.

"SPT management has not received any complaints from staff regarding the support given during this challenging event.

"We are very grateful for the efforts of all those involved."

They added: "Staff follow a number of established UK wide protocols that are well-recognised across the transport industry. 

"Staff at all our stations carry out regular safety and security checks throughout the course of their working day and in all emergency situations, we have set procedures that must be followed for the safety of our passengers and staff."

During the incident, three men were arrested in connection with possession of offensive weapons. They have since been released without charge. 

The Royal Navy Explosive Ordnance Disposal Team (EOD) carried out a controlled explosion on the suspicious item. 

It was found to be "innocent in nature" and posed no risk to the public. 

Buchanan Bus Station was reopened at around 9.45pm on Wednesday.