Museums to remain open on Mondays

The Burrell Collection was one of the museums affected

Museums in Glasgow have been saved from closure on a Monday thanks to a donation of £270,000 from a property developer in the city.

Adrian Pocock, the managing director of Scotia Land Ltd, made the donation to the Friends of Glasgow Museums.

He said: "I felt that it was an opportunity for me to repay Glasgow for the wonderful times I have enjoyed in my adopted city."

Museums were due to close on Mondays from mid-April as part of budget cuts.

This is a fantastic gesture Steven Purcell Leader of Glasgow City Council

Mr Pocock, a chartered surveyor, said: "I have always been impressed by the quality of the city's museums and galleries.

"I enjoy immensely visiting the collections with my children and have spent many happy times there.

"I hope that the continued opening of all the museums and galleries will be appreciated by the people of Glasgow and the visitors to our great city."

Museums saved Burrell Collection St Mungo Museum of Religious Life and Art People's Palace Museum of Transport Provand's Lordship Martyrs School Scotland Street School Museum

Closures would have affected all museums with the exception of the Gallery of Modern Art and Kelvingrove Art Gallery and Museum.

The local authority said savings would enable all Glasgow school pupils to have at least one museum visit and theatre experience every year.

The decision was taken because of "traditionally low visitor numbers" on a Monday.

Funding will allow museums to open on a Monday for two years.

Councillor Steven Purcell, leader of Glasgow City Council, said: "This is a fantastic gesture, in keeping with the great tradition of benefactors working with the city."