The roof of Glasgow's landmark new national arena has been lowered into place, sealing its position in the city's skyline.
The 330-tonne central section was lowered onto The Hydro, next to the SECC on the north bank of the Clyde, following a complex five-day operation.
The steel section had to be lifted up a 48-metre high temporary tower using eight hydraulic jacks, at a maximum rate of five metres per hour.
The entertainment and concert venue has been designed by Foster + Partners and will host around 140 events a year, generating around £131m worth of income for the city.
Gordon Anderson, executive general manager of Lend Lease, said: "This is the most complex feat of engineering in Scotland this year and is a major step forward in The Hydro's construction process.
"The next step involves the positioning of 16 roof segments between the perimeter of the building and the central section. These 36-metre-long segments have been assembled in the SECC car park over recent weeks and are now ready to be put in place.
"Once they are in place the temporary tower can be removed and the roof will then support its own weight. The Hydro will be an extra venue for the SECC."
The 45-metre high Hydro is is modelled on Greco-Roman amphitheatres and aims to rival New York’s Madison Square Gardens and London’s O2 Arena for spectacle and international renown.
John Sharkey, SECC chief executive, said: "We are delighted to have reached this milestone in the construction of The Hydro. It has been a complex procedure and represents a great achievement by Lend Lease and the project team and we congratulate them.
"We look forward to watching The Hydro as it evolves into Scotland's home of live entertainment and the perfect place for future audiences to also enjoy raising the roof."
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