Glasgow Tower at city's science centre reopens to the public for first time in almost four years

Scotland’s tallest freestanding building has reopened to welcome visitors for the first time in almost four years.

The 127m tall Glasgow Tower, located at the city’s science centre, has been closed since the first Covid lockdown in 2020.

It remained closed after social distancing restrictions were lifted due to refurbishment work that was required.

A Glasgow Science Centre spokesperson said: “Glasgow Tower is now open for the summer season and we look forward to welcoming locals and tourists to enjoy unrivalled panoramic views of the city and beyond and experience all that Glasgow Science Centre has to offer as a great day out.”

Over the years the £10m tower, which is the world’s only structure to be capable of rotating a full 360 degrees into the prevailing wind, has been plagued with safety and engineering issues and while capable of rotating, does not turn.

It emerged in 2022 that just 169,000 visitors have reached its summit since the structure first opened in 2001.

Visitors who take the two and a half minute trip up more than 400ft to the tower cabin will have “unrivalled panoramic views” of Glasgow’s and its famous landmarks including the OVO Hydro, Glasgow University and the Clyde River.

On a clear day, visitors are able to see for 20 miles.

VisitScotland’s destination development director, Caroline Warburton said: “Glasgow Science Centre is a five star visitor attraction, already hugely popular with families for its extensive offer of interactive exhibits, planetarium and IMAX cinema, so visitors are in for an additional treat with the option to take a trip up the Glasgow Tower too.

“This will be a welcome addition to the wealth of attractions and experiences available in Glasgow, and another reason to spend more time in the city this summer.”

While the structure is designed with Glasgow’s typically strong gusts in mind, the science centre warns that “some visitors find the swaying sensation in windy weather unnerving”. The Tower closes when the wind speed exceeds gusts of 25 mph at cabin height.