A giant wheel like the famous London Eye being planned for Braehead would be a "fantastic tourist attraction" for Renfrewshire and the west of Scotland. That's the prediction from the shopping centre's general manager Peter Beagley who says he expects tens of thousands of people a year to converge on Braehead, near Glasgow, to experience the attraction.

Mr Beagley was speaking as operators, World Tourist Attractions lodged a planning application with Renfrewshire Council for the 40-metre high observation wheel in the car park between the bus station and the Maritime Heritage Centre, at the east end of the shopping centre.

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He said: "This giant wheel will be a fantastic tourist attraction for Renfrewshire and the west of Scotland and bring a boost to the local economy. The wheel will give people breathtaking views of the River Clyde up towards Glasgow city and downriver towards Inverclyde and Argyll.

"As well as local people being able to enjoy the wheel, I expect tens of thousands of people to come from well outside the area to see this attraction, which will undoubtedly become a landmark in the west of Scotland."

Mr Beagley added: "The fact that so many people will come to Renfrewshire means local hotels, shops and other visitor attractions outwith the shopping centre has the potential to benefit from the wheel being at Braehead.

"I've no doubt people coming to the attraction could spend more time in Renfrewshire and their presence will strengthen the local economy."

(GK/JM)