A HUGE £700,000 digital screen is being installed in Glasgow city centre.

And bosses behind the hi-tech equipment are hoping it will draw crowds to St Enoch Square and play a large part in civic events.

The 12.8m by 6.1m high definition screen is the first of its kind in Scotland.

As well as screening footage from large-scale events, such as the Commonwealth Games and the MOBOs, it is likely to be used by big brands for advertising.

It may also be used on more sombre occasions, such as Remembrance Sunday.

The St Enoch Centre is investing in the equipment – and they hope it will draw people to the square when it is put in place on April 15.

General manager of the centre, Susan Nicol, said: "As well as the obvious commercial potential which the new screen will offers to advertisers, we also see excellent opportunities to use it to showcase community, cultural and civic information.

"We believe the screen will provide an excellent vehicle for interacting with visitors coming to Glasgow for events such as the Commonwealth Games and the MOBOs."

The technology is being provided by Ocean Outdoor, which has screens in 32 sites elsewhere in Britain, including London, Birmingham, Manchester and Liverpool.

Richard Malton, of the London-based firm, said: "This is the first one we're installing in Glasgow, and the first in the whole of Scotland.

"Glasgow was our first port of call and we had been looking at installing one there for a while.

"The digital screens are erected in iconic locations so we're pleased to be in St Enoch Square."

Stuart Patrick, chief executive of Glasgow Chamber of Commerce, said: "This is an excellent use of the public realm, while the decision to install the first Scottish screen in Glasgow shows the city's standing throughout the UK.

"It will also be an excellent screening location for the 2014 Games, drawing crowds towards our retail hub.

"However, now it is essential we think creatively about how best to utilise the allocation of viewing time which isn't dedicated to advertising, ensuring it is used productively to showcase the city's many attributes."

rachel.loxton@ heraldandtimes.co.uk