History in the palm of your hand

MOBILE phone users will be able to discover the story of some of Scotland's most famous architectural landmarks by simply pointing their handset at them.

Visitors to Glasgow will be able to aim their camera phone at two-dimensional barcodes on cards to access the information. The tours are also available as pdf documents from today on www.glasgowmackintosh.com.

Organisers said it is thought to be the first time the technology has been used to deliver tours in this way in the UK.

Three trips have been created by the Mackintosh Heritage Group to help visitors discover architectural works, including those by Charles Rennie Mackintosh and Alexander 'Greek' Thomson.

The tours, which last around an hour and a half, have been created with the help of writer and architectural historian Gavin Stamp.

Stuart Robertson, chairman of the Mackintosh Heritage Group, said: "People are often unaware of the history and artistry that surrounds them. By delivering these tours directly into people's hands we can help them discover the legacy of Mackintosh and other great Glasgow architects."

Cards featuring the barcodes which hold information will be distributed during the next few days at tourist spots and Mackintosh attractions in Glasgow.

The Glasgow Style and Modernity Tour, The West End Tour

and The Second City Tour examine some of the city's best examples of architecture.