Five huge tower blocks "that have seen some of the worst deprivation in Glasgow in the past 50 years are to be demolished as part of a spectacular opening ceremony for this summer’s Commonwealth Games," according to Danielle Sheridan of the LONDON TIMES. The Red Road flats, which until recently "were used to house asylum seekers," will be blown up in just 15 seconds -- an event described by organisers "as the biggest demolition of its kind ever seen in Europe." The "stunning start to the Games is designed to show how the city is moving forward from a past too often associated with hardship." Glasgow 2014 Chair Eileen Gallagher said the “audacious” idea to blow up part of the city’s skyline that had been both loved and scorned, would celebrate the “controversial” buildings. Using 1,250kg of explosives, five of the six remaining Red Road blocks "will be destroyed as the event is beamed live into the ceremony at Celtic Park and to viewers around the world" (LONDON TIMES, 4/3). The Scotland DAILY RECORD reported City council leader Gordon Matheson "has written about the plans to each affected household." Matheson: "The opening ceremony will be the moment when we welcome the world to Glasgow. It will be a ceremony like no other, showcasing our city's unique style and personality and with our people and communities at its very heart." Glasgow 2014 Head of Ceremonies/Artistic Dir David Zolkwer said, "Over the course of just a few seconds the city's skyline will be transformed forever." The Opening Ceremony will take place on July 23 at Celtic Park (DAILY RECORD, 4/3).
