AN AIRLINE boss is flying into Glasgow to unveil an £800,000 slice of Scottish culture.

Keith Williams, chief executive of British Airways, will open a Scots-themed executive club lounge at Glasgow Airport next week.

The 150-seat lounge is already being used by BA's executive club members and first-class passengers after it opened several weeks ago following design work by Glasgow-based Graven Images.

"Eligible customers at Glasgow can also take advantage of the new fast-track system through the airport's central search area, making their journey through the airport and on to their flight even quicker and smoother.

"We plan to introduce even more innovative developments throughout our domestic operation, reflecting its importance not only in point-to-point travel to London, but also helping British Airways to maintain our extensive global network to 170 destinations."

"British Airways has demonstrated its commitment to Glasgow by making this significant investment."

The executive lounge has been welcomed by airport chief executive Amanda McMillan.

She said: "Not only is this new facility a great asset for Glasgow Airport and our passengers, it has also benefited local designers and suppliers who have played a major part in the end product."

The new lounge promotes several of Scotland's iconic products.

It's the first to incorporate a Glenlivet Whisky Snug which showcases the country's finest single malts, with lamps made from whisky decanters while Harris Tweed has been used for the lampshades throughout the lounge.

The skills of Scottish companies are also on display including the Bridge of Weir Leather Company, while the lounge walls are decorated with the work of artists who graduated from Glasgow School of Art last year.

gordon.thomson@eveningtimes.co.uk