DEPUTY First Minister Nicola Sturgeon has topped out a £70million shopping and flat development in Glasgow.

Nine stores and 49 apartments are being built in the Atlas development in Buchanan Street, opposite Buchanan Galleries.

Ms Sturgeon joined staff from developer Land Securities and contractor Balfour Beatty to complete the complex's highest point. Clothing outfit Forever 21, already fitting out its store, will be joined by other new retailers to Glasgow when the shops open in March.

More than 700 people have registered an interest in the flats which go on sale next spring.

Ms Nicola Sturgeon said: "Ongoing investment in infrastructure projects – like this one – is fundamental if we are to ensure sustainable economic growth."

Lester Hampson, Land Securities' head of retail development, said: "It is only the second retail development in the UK since the recession and is almost fully pre-let."