Mr Brown's father began his ministry in Glasgow

Mr Brown praised the regeneration of the city as he opened BBC Scotland's new headquarters, Pacific Quay, on the banks of the River Clyde in Govan.

His father started work as a minister in the Church of Scotland near the site 70 years ago.

Mr Brown said the �188m building "sent out a message of faith" in the future of Glasgow as it entered a new era.

"This city - the great workshop of the world that at one stage produced one third of the world's ships - is now confidently looking outwards to the world, entering and leading a new economic area," he said.

"I am very proud this is happening here in Glasgow.

"I am very privileged, a few yards from where my father once worked in this city, to have the honour of declaring this building open."