Scotland's tallest free-standing structure has been demolished in a controlled explosion.

The 236m-tall chimney, located at the former Inverkip Power Station in Inverclyde, was demolished at 10pm on Sunday.

The structure contained 20,000 tonnes of concrete and 1.4 million bricks.

More than half a tonne of explosives were used in the demolition, which consisted of two blasts in quick succession. The first blast occurred on the 10th floor of the chimney, 90m up, followed shortly afterwards by a second explosion at ground level.

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ScottishPower has said its contractors are to remain on the site until the end of the year in order to complete the demolition programme.

Inverclyde Council is currently considering a planning application to create a new housing development on the site.

Dylan Hughes, ScottishPower Project Manager, said: "The demolition team have been working towards this day for two years, and it was fantastic to see all of our detailed preparations and calculations culminate in such a dramatic event. Comprehensive planning and consultation ensured the event could be managed safely.

"There has never been an explosive demolition of a structure this size in Scotland before, so it is quite a feat to achieve a demolition on this scale."

The demolition was overseen by ScottishPower's principal contractor Brown & Mason.

The title of Scotland's tallest free-standing structure now passes to a chimney at Fife's Longannet Power Station, which is 183m-tall.

(JP)