One of the world’s most famous steam engines, Flying Scotsman, has been put up for sale.

Flying Scotsman plc, which owns the locomotive, said it took the decision following delays in plans to establish a Visitor Centre at Edinburgh’s Waverley railway station.

Designed by Sir Nigel Gresley and built in 1923, Flying Scotsman was sold by British Railways to a private buyer in 1963. Between 1969 and 1972 it toured the United States and in 1988-1989 visited Australia during the country’s bicentennial celebrations.

The engine was completely rebuilt between 1996 and 1999 and is currently under contract to haul luxury excursion trains operated by Venice Simplon-Orient-Express.

The sale is being co-ordinated by international property advisers, GVA Grimley, and the closing date for tenders is 2 April 2004. A spokesperson for Grimleys said they expected there to be great interest in ensuring No. 4472 remains in the UK but added that bids from overseas interests are likely.

Further information can be obtained from David Speight at GVA Grimley, on +44 (0)161 956 4321 or [email protected]