County Buildings, Hamilton

Opened by the late Queen Mother in April 1964 this building is a masterpiece of simplicity, functionality and appearance.

Modelled on the UN building in New York, the office block was designed by the councils own architect David G Bannerman and has 15 floors with a restaurant on the top and was built by Laing Construction.

Opened 53 years ago, I had never before had the opportunity to visit until today when I attended a meeting on the 11th floor.

South Lanarkshire is a mix of industrial and commercial on the edge of Glasgow and stretches far south to Tinto Hill and the hills around Biggar. Virtually the entire county could be seen from our meeting room.

Good design extends to the interior with the original high quality wood in the reception and public areas.

All in all there was a buzz about the place, a good place to work and all the appearance of a well run organisation. South Lanarkshire Council.