In the 1960s Glasgow faced serious economic decline with cheaper labour abroad threatening industry, and war damage to housing still much in evidence. To arrest this deterioration, politicians implemented a scheme to replace the worst slums with a new generation of high-rise and large suburban housing estates, locally known as schemes. Tall blocks were erected as part of mixed developments that combined both low- and high-rises, of which one of the most radical was the bold, steel-framed towers of Red Road, designed by architect Sam Bunton Junior.

The Red Road development of 1962-9 was the highest in Europe, consisting of eight high-rise blocks, the tallest reaching 31 storeys. Working alongside efforts to alleviate problems of overcrowding in inner city communities, Red Road was designed to house 4,700 people. However, the ambitious scale of the development soon attracted management problems and Red Road gained a reputation for anti-social activity and crime.

Improved security has led to a dramatic drop in crime and many of the flats have been now privatised.