FAMILIES are living the high life on the site of an old Glasgow prison.

Tenants have moved into new flats near the city centre following the demolition of three tower blocks in Sighthill, with another two due to come down.

They have tranferred into two new blocks which have been built on the site of the old Duke Street jail, which closed in 1955 and was demolished in the 1970s.

Glasgow Housing Association spent almost £6million on the development, which comprises 46 energy efficient apartments on Duke Street at the junction with the High Street.

Margaret Thomson, 65, has no regrets about the move.

She said: "I lived in Sighthill for 44 years and brought my children up there. Some of my new neighbours are from Sighthill, so that helps.

"I love my new home. It's much warmer, there are no draughts and the rooms are much bigger. The location is great too - I'm out and about in town more than I ever was before."

Housing Minister Margaret Burgess added: "The Scottish Government is delighted to have supported GHA's new-build programme with more than £21m so far.

"This is yet another example of strong partnership working."

Under the scheme, GHA have completed 48 new homes in Carnwadric and work has also started on 141 new homes in Sighthill, 157 in Barmulloch and 100 in North Toryglen.

GHA chairman Gordon Sloan said: "This development has breathed new life into an area which had been underused for decades."

Work will begin next month on another 100 new homes in Roystonhill and 116 in Scotstoun, while a further 98 homes are being built for GHA tenants at the Commonwealth Games Village in Dalmarnock.

gordon.thomson@eveningtimes.co.uk