A family leisure attraction in Glasgow will start charging visitors an entry fee.

The Tall Ship Glenlee is a cemented part of the city's tourist industry and is popular with locals and travellers alike. 

Built in 1896, the former merchant sailing ship is the only vessel of its kind still afloat on the River Clyde and serves as a museum celebrating the city's unique maritime heritage. 

But amid rising costs and struggles to keep the attraction running, bosses have decided to reintroduce an entry fee for visitors for the first time since 2012.

As of July 1, 2024, admissions will be priced at £4.50 for adults, and £2.70 for children and £12.70 for a family of four.

There will be concessions for students and pensioners and entry is still free for those under 5.

The funds will be used to fill a financial gap, cover the ship's running costs, deliver the best possible experience, and allow the independent charity to be more self-sufficient and better plan for the future.

The charge will be introduced alongside a new booking system, which will allow visitors to buy tickets online in advance at thetallship.com.

Fiona Greer, development director at The Tall Ship Glenlee, said: “As an independent charity, we are facing a similar situation as many other historic vessels and museum attractions across the UK who have expressed shared challenges.

"We know The Tall Ship Glenlee holds a very special place in many people’s hearts, both here in Glasgow and around the world, and we now need the public’s support to ensure we can continue to thrive.

"The ship is an icon of change that has adapted to survive over 127 years and is now embarking on its next chapter, and a more certain and hopeful future.

“We are incredibly grateful for all the critical support we receive from current funders and supporters, however, there is a significant gap that needs to be filled.

"We have looked to fix the admissions fees at a level far below the UK average museum attraction entry charge to ensure the ship continues to attract and be accessible to as large and diverse an audience as possible, while fairly reflecting the unique, quality experience of exploring an iconic ship like the Glenlee."

It comes as the team are preparing to launch a new immersive visitor experience for visitors to the Tall Ship Glenlee.

Funded by Museums Galleries Scotland, this includes three distinct soundscapes which transport visitors through the chapters of the vessels’ history, from a brewing storm in the cargo hold to the rumble of the diesel engines, and a smell interpretation, which aim to bring the realities of being at sea to life.