BOSSES at a railway museum have decided on an unusual colour scheme for a locomotive’s return to steam next year.

Historically, the Flying Scotsman has been painted apple green and Brunswick green, with apple green being the livery of choice for most enthusiasts.

But bosses at the National Railway Museum (NRM), in York, have turned to a Scottish tartan livery for the engine’s restoration. Details of the plans are available from the museum’s website – nrm.org.uk – from today, April 1.

Museum director Andrew Scott said: “There has been debate as to whether it should be apple green or Brunswick green. I don’t think any of them will have expected us to go for tartan. A special Flying Scotsman tartan has been developed by Locharron, of Scotland.”

Locomotives usually take about six weeks to paint. As a result of the detailed work involved in the tartan pattern, the Flying Scotsman will take twice that time.

The news comes only a few months after the NRM launched the Steam Our Scotsman appeal to raise £250,000 to help complete its restoration.

To donate, visit flyingscotsman.org.uk, call 01904-685707, or write to SOS Appeal, NRM, Leeman Road, York, YO26 4XJ.

■ Check out The Northern Echo’s website – northernecho.co.uk – at noon today, for reaction to the decision to paint the Flying Scotsman tartan.