The Glasgow Tower is a free-standing tower built in 2001 and forms part of the Glasgow Science Centre. At 127 metres high, the tower is currently the tallest floored building, and second tallest free-standing structure overall in Scotland (after the Inverkip Power Station chimney). It also holds a Guinness World Record for being the tallest tower in the world capable of rotating 360 degrees from its base to its top.  

 It is shaped like an aerofoil (as if an aircraft wing had been set in the ground vertically), with computer-controlled motors to turn it into the wind in order to reduce wind resistance.  Ironically it is usually closed when there is the slightest breeze.

After a controversial design process, the tower ended up costing £10 million.

The tower has been plagued by safety and engineering problems throughout its history, the latest being a breakdown in January 2005 when 10 people were trapped in one of the lifts and only rescued after a five hour wait.

During the times when it has been open the Tower provides spectacular views of the whole city.

In 2008, it will be replaced as Scotland's tallest floored building by the 39-storey Elphinstone Place residential tower in the city centre.

[