Virgin Trains has announced that it has named one of its trains after one of Scotland's most famous cultural icons in a celebration of its role serving Glasgow.
The Charles Rennie Mackintosh Express departed Glasgow yesterday in support of Mackintosh 150 – a year-long programme of events celebrating the 150th anniversary of the birth of Glasgow's renowned artist.
No. 390008 Pendolino with Mackintosh's trademark moustache on the front arrived into Glasgow Central yesterday morning.
The nameplate was unveiled by Michael Stewart, Virgin Trains' General Manager for Scotland on the west coast route, and Councillor David McDonald, Chair of Glasgow Life and Deputy Leader of Glasgow City Council.
People can track the Mack Express by tweeting Virgin Trains with the #TrackTheMack hashtag.
Passengers who take the best selfies with the train could win two First Class return tickets for travel from London, Birmingham or Preston to Glasgow between April 16 and June 30 and free entry to a major new Mackintosh exhibition taking place in the city.
What did the officials say?
Michael Stewart, General Manager for the west coast route, said the train naming celebrated Virgin Trains' role in serving Scotland's biggest city: “Virgin Trains has served Glasgow for more than 20 years and it's fitting that we are naming one of our trains after one of the city's most famous sons. We hope people get involved with this right across our west coast route as the Charles Rennie Mackintosh Express goes on tour.”
Councillor David McDonald, the Chair of Glasgow Life and Deputy Leader of Glasgow City Council, said: “The legacy of Charles Rennie Mackintosh is part of the very fabric of Glasgow and his buildings, art and design are of international importance; attracting tourists from across the world to our city.
“I'm delighted that Virgin Trains is lending its support to our Mackintosh 150 programme and the wonderful Charles Rennie Mackintosh Express will provide a fitting way for passengers travelling to Glasgow this year to join us in celebrating the incredible genius of Mackintosh.”
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