The Red Road Flats were one of Glasgow's most famous—and controversial—housing developments. Built between 1964 and 1969 in the city's northeast, they consisted of eight high-rise tower blocks designed by architect Sam Bunton & Associates.
At the time, they were the tallest residential buildings in Europe and were seen as a bold solution to Glasgow's severe post-war housing shortage. Thousands of families moved from overcrowded tenements into modern flats with central heating, indoor bathrooms, and impressive views across the city.
From the 1990s onwards, the population fell as residents were rehoused elsewhere. The blocks were gradually emptied and demolished between 2012 and 2015.
1. Red Road (1925)
View before the development of the new housing scheme in March 1925. | Glasgow City Archives
2. Red Road (2010)
Local people hold a rally from the Red Road flats in memory of three Russian asylum seekers in March 2010. Around 200 people marched to the city's George Square, from the flats where the asylum seekers apparently jumped to their deaths. | Getty Images
3. Red Road (2010)
A general view of the Red Road flats in March 2010. | Getty Images
4. Red Road (2013)
Members of the public look on as the thirty story tower block at Birnie Court is demolished on May 5, 2013 in Glasgow. | Getty Images