The tallest structure ever built in Scotland, a 42-storey megalith for the 21st century, is to be centrepiece of a £1.6 billion regeneration of one of Britain's most deprived areas. Described by its designer yesterday as "an iconic piece of architecture of international stature", the skyscraper, in Glasgow's East End, is likely to dominate the city's skyline for years. It will be at least ten stories higher than the existing Red Road flats, in Balornock, which until they are demolished soon, remain Europe's highest residential structures. Early plans for the new tower, which were unveiled yesterday, combine leisure and shopping facilities at ground level below a 12-storey hotel and "lifestyle" housing on other floors. Even while plans are still on the drawing board, major international hotel chains are making inquiries.
