A former working train that has been a play park favourite for generations of children in Aberdeen is on track for a £60,000 facelift.
The iconic Mr Therm train in Seaton Park is being dismantled and hauled away to Kilmarnock, where it was originally built in 1947.
The locomotive has been the centrepiece of the play area since it was presented by the British Rail and the gas board in 1974.
Mr Therm proved so popular with the city’s children on its arrival at Seaton Park in 1974 that the venue won the first playground of the year award from the National Playing Fields Association in Scotland two years later.
The refurbishment is being paid for by Aberdeen City Council’s underspend from the last financial year.
The carriages are being dismantled this week by contractors David Ogilvie and taken away for repairs and to be painted before being installed back on site in the autumn.
A notice is to be put up informing youngsters: “Mr Therm will be away on his holidays with his four carriage friends because he is feeling a little under the weather.
“When he comes back, he will be looking much younger with fresh new colours and lots of surprises to be even more fun than before.
“He is going a long way on this holiday. All the way to Kilmarnock where he was born.”
Communities, housing and infrastructure vice-convener Jean Morrison said: “Mr Therm is now at a point where he can no longer be patched up so he is going away for a trip and will come back refreshed and rejuvenated.
“He’s given generations of youngsters a lot of pleasure over the years and he will no doubt be there for generations more.”
Aberdeen City Council worked with Friends of Seaton Park on the project, which provided in-kind contributions.
Friends of Seaton Park chairwoman Sheila Gordon said: “I am really pleased that Mr Therm is to go on his holidays and I am sure that he will feel and look all the better for the break.
“Friends of Seaton Park were delighted to work with Aberdeen City Council to ensure Mr Therm got his well deserved holiday.”
