THE TS Queen Mary is to be towed from Greenock to Glasgow after being checked over and repainted at Garvel Drydock.

A date has not been set for the move, but it is expected to take place within a few weeks.

The historic steamer will be berthed for the winter at Glasgow Science Centre, while the charity Friends of Queen Mary look at options for a permanent home.

This will be the first time the ship has been in Glasgow since 1977, when she stopped operating day excursions on the Firth of Clyde.

Built in 1933 by Denny of Dumbarton, the 252ft vessel was rescued by the charity earlier this year from almost certain demise on the Thames, where she had lain derelict after operating as a successful bar and restaurant in London.

The charity needed to find a safe place to berth the ship over the winter months as her current home in Greenock’s James Watt Dock is needed for other commercial marine work.

Charity trustee Iain Sim praised Glasgow Science Centre for their help.

He said: “The science centre has been fantastic in giving us a safe place to berth her over the winter months.

“We’re sure the people of Glasgow will look after her well and will be chuffed to have her back.”

David McQueen, director of finance and operations at the centre, said they are delighted to be assisting the charity in their efforts to restore another example of Glasgow and the Clyde’s engineering heritage.

He added: “We look forward to welcoming her to the science centre.”

The Queen Mary is expected to remain in Glasgow until early 2017 while the charity continue efforts to raise £2 million to transform her into an arts and culture destination and an interactive exhibition.

Mr Sim said: “Scottish Enterprise assisted in granting access to The Canting Basin, the area of water which borders the Science Centre and IMAX cinema at Glasgow’s Pacific Quay.”

Anyone who would like to donate to the charity is asked to visit mydonate.bt.com/charities/friendsoftsqueenmary