Menu
18/02/2004
Flying Scotsman could leave Britain following sale decision
The Flying Scotsman, a symbol of British engineering and a world famous name in transport history, could leave the UK permanently following a decision to put the locomotive up for sale.
The Flying Scotsman plc said today that it has instructed property advisers GVA Grimley to dispose of the locomotive No 4472. The closing date for tenders is 2 April 2004.
A spokesperson for the company said that it had taken "the reluctant decision" to sell following delays in plans to establish a visitor's centre for the train at Edinburgh's Waverley Station.
Peter Butler, Chief Executive of Flying Scotsman plc, said: "Naturally we are disappointed at this development, but we have been unable to make sufficient progress with the proposed Flying Scotsman visitor centre at Edinburgh.
"This is the best way forward to ensure the survival of the engine on the main line, and to protect shareholder interest. This is not a forced sale, and we are confident the result will be in the interests of everyone involved with this magnificent example of British engineering."
The company said that the locomotive remained a "strong business proposition" and expects a great deal of interest internationally. The train is currently under contract to Venice Simplon-Orient-Express hauling excursion trains.
David Speight, partner with the plant and machinery valuation team at GVA Grimley, which is selling the train, said: "We expect there will be considerable interest in ensuring locomotive 4472 remains in the UK.
"It is likely, however, that a number of bids will be received from overseas parties."
Designed by Sir Nigel Gresley, the A3 pacific steam locomotive was manufactured in 1923 in Doncaster.
Bought by Alan Pegler from BR in 1963, Flying Scotsman was one of the first preserved locomotives to pull trains on the mainline. She has visited the US and toured Australia during the country's bicentennial celebrations in 1988 and 1989. During this visit she set a new world record for a non-stop run for steam by hauling a train for 422 miles from Parkes to Broken Hill in New South Wales.
The Flying Scotsman plc was formed in late 2001 with previous company Flying Scotsman Railways Ltd as a wholly-owned subsidiary.
(gmcg)
The Flying Scotsman plc said today that it has instructed property advisers GVA Grimley to dispose of the locomotive No 4472. The closing date for tenders is 2 April 2004.
A spokesperson for the company said that it had taken "the reluctant decision" to sell following delays in plans to establish a visitor's centre for the train at Edinburgh's Waverley Station.
Peter Butler, Chief Executive of Flying Scotsman plc, said: "Naturally we are disappointed at this development, but we have been unable to make sufficient progress with the proposed Flying Scotsman visitor centre at Edinburgh.
"This is the best way forward to ensure the survival of the engine on the main line, and to protect shareholder interest. This is not a forced sale, and we are confident the result will be in the interests of everyone involved with this magnificent example of British engineering."
The company said that the locomotive remained a "strong business proposition" and expects a great deal of interest internationally. The train is currently under contract to Venice Simplon-Orient-Express hauling excursion trains.
David Speight, partner with the plant and machinery valuation team at GVA Grimley, which is selling the train, said: "We expect there will be considerable interest in ensuring locomotive 4472 remains in the UK.
"It is likely, however, that a number of bids will be received from overseas parties."
Designed by Sir Nigel Gresley, the A3 pacific steam locomotive was manufactured in 1923 in Doncaster.
Bought by Alan Pegler from BR in 1963, Flying Scotsman was one of the first preserved locomotives to pull trains on the mainline. She has visited the US and toured Australia during the country's bicentennial celebrations in 1988 and 1989. During this visit she set a new world record for a non-stop run for steam by hauling a train for 422 miles from Parkes to Broken Hill in New South Wales.
The Flying Scotsman plc was formed in late 2001 with previous company Flying Scotsman Railways Ltd as a wholly-owned subsidiary.
(gmcg)
Related UK National News Stories
Click here for the latest headlines.
05 April 2004
The Flying Scotsman sold to private consortium
The Flying Scotsman, one of the world's most famous steam engines, has been bought by a private consortium that secured the engine with bid backed by a lottery-backed grant of £1.8 million from the National Railway Museum in York.
The Flying Scotsman sold to private consortium
The Flying Scotsman, one of the world's most famous steam engines, has been bought by a private consortium that secured the engine with bid backed by a lottery-backed grant of £1.8 million from the National Railway Museum in York.
06 January 2012
Man Jailed Following Armed Robbery
A man extradited back to the United Kingdom to face charges over an armed robbery committed in 2005 has been jailed at court today. Mohamed Hassan, 24, of no fixed abode was sentenced at Wood Green Crown Court to 8 years imprisonment.
Man Jailed Following Armed Robbery
A man extradited back to the United Kingdom to face charges over an armed robbery committed in 2005 has been jailed at court today. Mohamed Hassan, 24, of no fixed abode was sentenced at Wood Green Crown Court to 8 years imprisonment.
04 January 2012
Extradited Man Jailed For Armed Robbery
A man extradited back to the United Kingdom to face charges over an armed robbery committed in 2005 has been jailed on Tuesday. Mohamed Hassan, 24, of no fixed abode, was sentenced at Wood Green Crown Court to eight years imprisonment.
Extradited Man Jailed For Armed Robbery
A man extradited back to the United Kingdom to face charges over an armed robbery committed in 2005 has been jailed on Tuesday. Mohamed Hassan, 24, of no fixed abode, was sentenced at Wood Green Crown Court to eight years imprisonment.
15 November 2011
Five Jailed For Cash Van Raids
A group of five, including three teenagers, have been jailed for over 30 years over a series of robberies on cash in transit vans in Central and Northwest London. The five males appeared at Isleworth Crown Court on Monday, where they were sentenced for a string of robberies which took place between 1 December 2010 to 27 January 2011.
Five Jailed For Cash Van Raids
A group of five, including three teenagers, have been jailed for over 30 years over a series of robberies on cash in transit vans in Central and Northwest London. The five males appeared at Isleworth Crown Court on Monday, where they were sentenced for a string of robberies which took place between 1 December 2010 to 27 January 2011.
09 September 2008
Murray Defeated in US Open Final
Roger Federer won his fifth consecutive US Open title on Monday, defeating scotsman Andy Murray. Federer scooped the title by winning straight sets, 6-2, 7-5, 6-2 and he has become the first male to win five titles in a row.
Murray Defeated in US Open Final
Roger Federer won his fifth consecutive US Open title on Monday, defeating scotsman Andy Murray. Federer scooped the title by winning straight sets, 6-2, 7-5, 6-2 and he has become the first male to win five titles in a row.
-
Northern Ireland WeatherThis Evening and Tonight:A dry night, save for a few light showers around the coasts, with prolonged clear spells and light winds bringing a frosty dawn for many in central and southern parts. Minimum temperature -3 °C.
