Thousands of visitors have been flocking to enjoy a last look around Glasgow’s Transport Museum before it closes its doors for the last time.
The popular attraction, which moved to its present West End location in 1988, will open for the last time on April 18.
It is being replaced by the dramatic new Riverside Museum on the banks of the Clyde at Glasgow Harbour.
The £74 million structure is not due to open until Spring or early Summer next year, but it will take until then to transport the thousands of objects currently stored in the existing Transport Museum.
Last month, the Evening Times revealed there were only a couple of weeks left to see hugely popular exhibits in their present home.
Since then, visitor numbers have soared with many people anxious to have a last chance to visit the family friendly attraction.
A spokesman for Culture and Sport Glasgow said in the weekend before the announcement around 7,000 people came through the doors.
The following weekend that number soared to almost 10,000, with figures remaining much higher than normal since then.
Museum bosses have opted to close the Transport Museum at the end of the Easter holidays, allowing as many people as possible the chance of one final visit to the Kelvin Hall display.
A number of daily events have been scheduled for the final two weeks, ensuring there is something for everyone, young and old, to enjoy.
The spokesman said: “A decision was taken to have the closure at the end of the Easter holidays as it gives everyone who is a fan of the Museum of Transport – and there are many out there – the chance to see it for a final time.
“There has already been a large increase in the number of visits by school groups who are quickly filling up all the available slots.
“We expect the higher visitor numbers to continue in the run up to the closure as people want to be part of the last few days.
“That certainly happened when Kelvingrove closed for refurbishment, although we are not expecting the same numbers. The Museum of Transport is not on the same scale as Kelvingrove.”
Liz Cameron, chairwoman of Culture and Sport Glasgow said: “We know the Museum of Transport is among the best loved attractions in Scotland so it is no surprise more people are coming to see it for a final time.
“We are in the process of finalising a busy programme of events that will cover the whole of the Easter school holidays and hope that as many people as possible will enjoy the museum before it closes on April 18.
“The move to The Riverside Museum, which is due to open in spring 2011, will allow visitors to see some of their favourite items in new displays alongside fresh exhibits.”
What the public think ...
Norman Derbyshire, 74, retired, City Centre: “It’s the first time I’ve been and I’ve really enjoyed it. It’s great how they have so many trams and trains. It’s brought back some memories of the type of cars I used to have. I can’t drag my wife away!”
Iain Smith, 22, student, Johnstone: “I’ll be very sad to see it go. I remember being there on a school trip; it was one of the most enjoyable trips I had at that age. I’ll take my young daughter to the new museum when she gets a bit older.”
Kirsty Waterston, 36, social carer, Cumbernauld: “The museum is really good. The kids have enjoyed it, although it’s a shame they can’t go on all of the trains and trams. Hopefully at the new place they will be able to go on to more of the trains.”
John Lowe, 37, transport supervisor, Cumbernauld: “I remember coming here when I was a kid. It’s really good fun and educational. I remember being allowed to climb on to all the cars.”
