The countdown has begun to the reopening of a spectacular visitor attraction in Glasgow.

The Glasgow Science Centre's rotating viewing tower is to welcome visitors from Saturday July 19, almost four years after it shut due to technical problems.

The 417ft high tower commands great views of the city skyline and has undergone a £1.8 million refurbishment, including new lifts. It has been shut since September 2010.

Operators said experts familiar with the structure had worked with the neighbouring Glasgow Science Centre to rectify what it called "long-standing issues", and that the revamped structure aims to offer an enhanced visitor experience.

An interactive "timeline tunnel" and map will give visitors the opportunity to learn about the history of Glasgow and the Tower site. They can also use a virtual panoramic view to zoom into more than a dozen places of interest.

The £9m tower holds the ­Guinness World Record for the tallest fully rotating free-standing structure in the world, and on a clear day it offers panoramic views of up to 20 miles.

It had been open for a number of months when it emerged in February 2002 that a base bearing had failed and was sinking into the ground. Three years later, 10 people became trapped in the lift halfway up the tower when a cable snapped.

Stephen Breslin, chief ­executive of Glasgow Science Centre, said: "We are excited to return Glasgow Tower back to the city this summer. It is an iconic landmark along the River Clyde and a world-class feat of engineering.

"We have been working on bringing the Tower back into operation for some time now and we are pleased that it will be open for visitors from both at home and abroad to enjoy this summer.

"There has been a significant investment in the refurbishments and the visitor experience to ensure Glasgow Tower is a must-visit location for Glaswegians, Scots and international visitors alike."

The tower, which will cost £4.95 to visit, will remain open for the rest of Glasgow Science Centre's summer season before closing on November 2 for the winter.