WATCH: Kelvingrove lowers its WW2 Spitfire on Armistice Day

Kelvingrove Art Gallery and Museum lowered its iconic spitfire from the ceiling for the first time since the gallery reopened.

The Mark 21 Spitfire has been on show at Kelvingrove at the Glasgow museum for more than a decade and is being lowered to carry out a series of safety and conservation checks.

Lizzie Parker has this report:

It was built in 1944 and flew with 602 (City of Glasgow) Squadron between 1947 and 1949.

Managers decided to lower it on Armistice Day, and workers on elevated platforms removed their hard hats at 11am as the museum fell silent.

Around 40 people are involved in the project, which includes the design of a series of new displays in the West Court of the museum.

The Spitfire will remain in the museum while experts examine the aircraft and visitors will be able to see the conservation team at work.

Museum manager Neil Ballantyne said: It's become quite an iconic image in Kelvingrove. The Spitfire has quite a strong resonance with British people and today adds an extra resonance I think, because we are remembering those who lost their lives serving this country. It's also 75 years since the Battle of Britain took place.

From a museum's point of view, today also reminds us of the importance of preserving objects like the Spitfire so that future generations can understand the sacrifices that were made and the importance of objects like this.''

The Spitfire was lowered by experts from Allelys Group, who often transport and assemble giant wind turbines. Project manager Charlie Latham said: It's been a privilege to work with the m0useum on lowering the Spitfire to the ground for checks.

Our work often involves delicate objects, which brings an added pressure to the role, but it's been great to be in such a stunning location, working on such an important object. And with today being Armistice Day it brings an added dimension to the job.''

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