大象传媒 Scotland - 大象传媒 Scotland - Why Scotland鈥檚 first skyscraper 鈥� built for the 1938 Empire Exhibition 鈥� was (unexpectedly?) demolished just one year later

Why Scotland鈥檚 first skyscraper 鈥� built for the 1938 Empire Exhibition 鈥� was (unexpectedly?) demolished just one year later

Before and after: Glasgow鈥檚 Bellahouston Park in 1938 and today

It was Scotland’s tallest building.

Built in 1938, the art deco Tower of Empire – also known as Tait Tower after its architect Thomas S. Tait – stood 300ft tall and could be seen from 100 miles away.

It boasted three observation decks, from which visitors to the Empire Exhibition in Glasgow could look out across 170 acres of remarkable new architecture.

Scotland鈥檚 first ever Skyscraper

Glasgow鈥檚 Empire Exhibition included a tower that provided incredible views.

But just one year after its construction, the exhibition centrepiece was demolished.

Local legend has it that the groundbreaking landmark was originally intended as a permanent monument, but was removed to avoid becoming a bombing target for enemy planes in the forthcoming Second World War.

This legend has, however, since been debunked: the tower was always intended to be temporary.

Visitors attending the 1938 Empire Exhibition, with Tait Tower in the background

Glasgow’s Bellahouston Park was transformed in 1938 to show off new architecture and boost Scotland’s post-depression economy.

People enjoying the rides at the exhibition

Between May and December, the exhibition – opened by King George VI – attracted 12 million visitors and even played host to an international football tournament.

Once the exhibition ended, all but one of its buildings were demolished.

The Palace of Art still stands to this day but is now used as a multipurpose leisure centre.