Princess Royal opens Riverside Museum
November 11, 2011 by Grace Franklin · Leave a Comment
Pupils of St Constantine's, serve on the junior Board of the Museum and have designed one of the interactive games used in the Museum.
The Princess Royal delighted more than 150 special guests at Glasgow’s new £74 million Riverside Museum when she formally opened it today. (Friday 11 November 2011)
Pupils of St Constantine’s Primary School in Govan who are on the Junior Board at the Museum and who had designed one of the interactive games which are proving so popular, had a ringside view as the Royal party left. Said Luis McCann who with Claire Wasige, is current champion at their game: ‘The best thing about today was the Princess.’
That was echoed by Councillor George Redmond, Chair of Glasgow Life, who escorted the Royal visitor through many of the exhibits: ‘In four and a half months we’ve had 945,000 visitors here, which is quite remarkable. Everyone who had played a part in this has looked forward to this day.’
Lord Provost Bob Winter as Lord Lieutenant who stands in for the Queen on occasions in Glasgow added his thanks to everyone ‘behind the scenes,’ in particular. ‘The design, building and operation of the Riverside Museum is wonderful. The project was delivered on time and within budget. The sheer dedication of the entire team is remarkable and everyone should be rightly proud of the treasure trove we possess.’
The Princess Royal, too, was clearly enthusiastic about the Museum. After unveiling a plaque to commemorate her visit, she said:’It has been a pleasure to see this place that has had rave reviews. The praise is entirely appropriate.’
On congratulating everyone concerned she added: ‘Long may the visitors continue.’
The Princess Royal also went aboard the Tall Ship Glenlee, one of only five Clyde built sailing ships of that kind afloat in the world. Moored in front of the Museum, it has recently undergone a £1.5m refurbishment. Said Dr Christopher Mason, who heads the Trust which runs the Tall Ship: ’It is always good to get royal recognition for staff and volunteers – it is a great boost to everyone’s morale. The Princess took great interest in our work and we hope she will come again.’
The Princess Royal enters the Riverside Museum escorted by Councillor George Redmond, chair of Glasgow Life.
