ONE of the world’s most iconic aeroplanes is set to celebrate its 10th anniversary at the National Museum of Flight.

Concorde G-BOAA made its final journey from London to East Fortune in April 2004.

And it proved something of an epic journey as the supersonic airliner travelled along the River Thames on a barge, under 38 bridges and past the Houses of Parliament.

Then, it was on to open sea and up the British coast before mooring at Torness.

Finally, it was brought along the A1 and then the final 1,700 metres of farm land with the help of the Army’s 39 Engineer Regiment.

The plane finally arrived at the museum after a 16-day journey at 11.45am on April 19, 2004, to the cheers of the waiting crowds and a Tornado flypast by the RAF.

To mark the 10th anniversary, the museum is inviting all 10-year-olds, or those born in 2004, to enjoy free entry to the museum and its Concorde Experience.

Steve McLean, general manager at the museum, said: “It hardly seems possible that Concorde has been with us for 10 years. “It only seems a short time ago that her distinctive nose cone appeared over the horizon as she came into view at the National Museum of Flight. “We are delighted to be able to offer a free look round this very special aircraft to those who were born when she arrived – the next generation of visitors to our museum and, we hope, the aviation enthusiasts of the future!” The aircraft took a key position in the redevelopment of the museum and has been a huge attraction for East Lothian and for Scotland since the Concorde Experience opened to the public in March 2005.

Since then, more than 850,000 visitors have stepped on board, while the plane has even been the backdrop to a classical concert and a fashion show.

Concorde G-BOAA was perhaps the most significant craft in the whole British Airways fleet, and was the first Concorde in commercial service. National Museums Scotland fought off stiff competition from 60 bidders around the world to secure the plane. It is the only Concorde on display in Scotland and takes pride of place alongside some of the most significant items in aviation history at the museum.

These include a Spitfire, one of only two Vulcan bombers ever to have seen military action, and the only major element of a Boeing 707 in the UK.

In July 2013, the Heritage Lottery Fund and National Museums Scotland announced backing for the next phase of a development plan to transform the museum.

The £3.6 million redevelopment will restore two nationally significant Second World War hangars and create new exhibitions within them.

Concorde G-BOAA will continue to be a star exhibit at the museum.