IT has been a long running saga that has left Scotland's tallest free-standing building out of reach to visitors.

But the Glasgow Tower will be reopened and fully operational next summer, bosses at Glasgow Science Centre have insisted.

A £1.8 million renovation means the tower will once again be able to turn 360 degrees, giving visitors a panoramic view of the city and beyond.

Though no precise date has been specified, the tower could be open in time for the 2014 Commonwealth Games, which will run between July 23 and August 3.

The £9 million, 417ft-tall tower has had a troubled existence, having operated only intermittently since the centre opened in 2001. It has been closed for the last two years.

Stephen Breslin, chief ­executive of Glasgow Science Centre, says he is confident works currently underway will provide a robust and reliable solution to the tower's technical issues.

He said: "I am confident the new lift design and maintenance work will allow us to operate the tower reliably."

Earlier this year it was reported that an out-of-court settlement had been secured from contractor Carillion, which built the flawed structure.

At the time Mr Breslin ­indicated engineers had been commissioned to "put together a fairly detailed design and costing for reopening the tower", adding: "I will only commit money if we have a workable solution."

Yesterday the chief executive said: "I am delighted to announce we are starting work that will bring the tower back into full operation by next summer.

"The major work we are doing involves putting in a new set of lifts. Most of the historical ­problems have been with the lifts, and the new set will resolve all of these outstanding issues.

"There have been issues with the bearing, which have now largely been repaired, but the main issue was with the lifts."

He added: "We have reached settlement on the outstanding litigation, which is what had delayed matters, and that is what freed us up to focus on the solution."

He said work had been carried out with engineers over the last six months in a bid to come up with a solution to all the issues with the tower.

He added: "The cost is worth it. The tower is an asset to the science centre and the city, and it's something we should be proud of."

The tower renovation is the latest development over the last 18 months aimed at re-invigorating the science centre.

Earlier this year the Body Works exhibition opened, which has contributed to record visitor numbers. The centre also launched a partnership with ­Cineworld to re-invigorate the Imax cinema.

The tower, which has attracted 109,506 visitors since it opened, is designed to turn into the prevailing wind in order to reduce sway.

The major contractors involved are the UK arm of Swedish ­lift-maker Alimak Hek and the consulting engineers are Elevate Consulting.

Of the £1.8 million cost, £800,000 has been recovered via legal settlements. Scottish Enterprise has contributed £500,000, and Glasgow City Council £376,000.

Bailie Liz Cameron, executive member for jobs and the economy at Glasgow City Council, said: "The reopening of the Glasgow Tower at Glasgow Science Centre will be marvellous for the city, making a visit to the Clydeside even more attractive."

Allan McQuade, Business ­Infrastructure director at Scottish Enterprise, added: "Having the tower fully ­operational will complement other developments, such as the recent opening of the SSE Hydro Arena on the opposite side of the River Clyde.

"These iconic structures firmly cement Glasgow's reputation for bold architectural statements and enhance our tourism and cultural attractiveness globally."