VIRGIN Trains has named one of its trains after one of Scotland’s most famous men in celebration of its role in serving Glasgow.

The Charles Rennie Mackintosh Express left Glasgow Central this morning in support of Mackintosh 150, a year-long programme of events throughout 2018 celebrating the 150th anniversary of the birth of Glasgow’s renowned artist, architect and designer.

The 390008 Pendolino train, decorated with Mackintosh’s trademark moustache on the front and his name displayed in his own lettering on plaques on either side, arrived into the station at 9.45am.

Its nameplate was unveiled by Michael Stewart, Virgin Trains’ General Manager for Scotland on the west coast route, and Councillor David McDonald, chairman of Glasgow Life and Deputy Leader of Glasgow City Council.

Mr McDonald said: “The legacy of Charles Rennie Mackintosh is part of the very fabric of Glasgow and his buildings, art and design are of international importance; attracting tourists from across the world to our city.

“I’m delighted that Virgin Trains is lending its support to our Mackintosh 150 programme and the wonderful Charles Rennie Mackintosh Express will provide a fitting way for passengers travelling to Glasgow this year to join us in celebrating the incredible genius of Mackintosh.”

Virgin Trains’ customers can find out where the Mack Express will be on any particular day by tweeting the @VirginTrains team with the #trackthemack hashtag.

Passengers who take the best selfies with the train will be eligible to win two First Class return tickets for travel from London, Birmingham or Preston to Glasgow between April 16 and June 30 and free entry to a major new Mackintosh exhibition taking place in the city.

It is the first time in nearly 15 years that Virgin Trains has named a train in Scotland on its west coast route.

Two other trains have previously been named after Charles Rennie Mackintosh, the first in 1982 and the second in 1996, shortly before Virgin Trains took over services between Glasgow and London.