WATCH: Quirky Flying Scotsman Automata featuring Loch Ness raises thousands of pounds for charity
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With its kilted train driver and carriages with moving wings travelling past Loch Ness, the Flying Scotsman Automata has entertained children and adults for the past six years.
Based in the Eastgate Shopping Centre in Inverness, it has also raised more than £22,000 for dozens of local charities.
At £1 a go, the attraction features a series of movements including Nessie, a couple knitting and drinking a cup of tea, a pilot flying a plane and rabbits popping out of their burrows.
The money raised goes to the local charity fund of the Rotary Club of Inverness Loch Ness which then distributes it.
It was conceived and built by Keith Newstead Automatas of Cornwall and is maintained by the rotary club members including past president Ken Wilson who instigated the project.
Jackie Cuddy, the shopping centre manager, said: "When Ken Wilson first approached me in 2016 with the idea of the automaton I had no idea how big a part it would play in raising much needed funds for small local charities.
"Over the six years it has been in Eastgate, it has enabled the Rotary club to help nearly 60 local charities which is amazing.
"We are delighted to host this wonderful attraction and look forward to seeing the monies it raises growing over the next six years."
Charities or clubs can apply for a grant online via the News and Links and Grants for Community organisations at www.lochnessrotary.org, or by emailing secretary@lochnessrotary.org.
