THE Flying Scotsman rolled back into the limelight last night in a spectacular thank-you to those who helped save her for the nation.
The iconic loco - resplendent in its black wartime LNER livery - was unveiled on the turntable of the National Railway Museum in York, where it will now remain for the rest of the Bank Holiday weekend.
It is now seven years since the famous loco was secured by the museum following a huge, international fund-raising appeal.
A grant from the National Heritage Memorial Fund and the generous support of an army of supporters, of all ages, helped the museum fight off cash-rich competition from abroad.
And last night's special ceremony was held to thank all those who have since donated to the appeal to restore the engine.
Museum director Steve Davies said: "This event represents the final stretch of the restoration of Flying Scotsman.
"The public will be able to enjoy Flying Scotsman on our turntable this Bank Holiday weekend before it is returned to the care of our expert engineers to prepare it for its steam tests and commissioning runs in the coming months."
He added: "It's not long until we will see Flying Scotsman steaming in glorious apple green livery and I'm so grateful for the support of the generous people and organisations who have helped us get here."
As well as the general public, the five-year restoration has been supported by Tata Steel, formerly Corus, a £275,000 grant from the Heritage Lottery Fund and support from many other organisations.
The HLF's director of operations, Bob Bewley said: "This marks a crucial milestone in this fascinating project that has brought Flying Scotsman, a wonderful feat of British engineering, back to life.
"It also demonstrates how partnership working between funders, organisations and public donations can work so well."
Once its steam tests and commissioning runs are completed it will be painted in its familiar apple green livery, go on display at the National Railway Museum in August and will be seen steaming on the tracks later this summer.
From today (May 28) until June 5 the museum will be hosting nine days of Flying Scotsman-themed fun including daily bagpipe performances, craft activities, a discovery trail to uncover facts about the loco and a chance to find out more about the restoration with daily talks and video footage.
Admission to the National Railway Museum is free. More information about Flying Scotsman and its return can be found at nrm.org.uk/flyingscotsman.
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