ENTRY fees are set to be reintroduced at an iconic Scottish attraction from next month amid a “challenging funding landscape and rising costs”.

The Tall Ship Glenlee in Glasgow has until now been the only free-to-attend historic vessel or museum attraction of its kind in the UK, with 200,000 visitors welcomed annually from across the globe.

A reintroduction of entry fees is said to have been considered for “some time” as a result of rising costs, a reduction in onboard spending and donations and the impact of the pandemic.

(Image: Supplied)  The iconic attraction will once again introduce visitor fees.

Admissions from Monday, July 1 will be priced at £4.50 for adults, £2.70 for children and £12.70 for a family of four with concessions for students and pensioners while children under five will also go free.

The trust which maintains the vessel has said funds will be used to “fill the financial gap the ship faces, cover its running costs and deliver the best possible experience onboard for all”.

It is hoped the entry fees will also allow the independent charity to be more self-sufficient moving forward.

Development director at the attraction Fiona Greer said: “As an independent charity, we are facing a similar situation as many other historic vessels and museum attractions across the UK who have expressed shared challenges.

“We know the Tall Ship Glenlee holds a very special place in many people’s hearts, both here in Glasgow and around the world, and we now need the public’s support to ensure we can continue to thrive.

READ MORE: Appeal over 'Not Spot' mast could open floodgates to wild areas

“The ship is an icon of change that has adapted to survive over 127 years and is now embarking on its next chapter, and a more certain and hopeful future.”

Built in 1896, the former merchant sailing vessel has circumnavigated the globe five times and now provides a unique space for exploration, learning, heritage and entertainment in Glasgow.

It was originally a paid attraction from 13 years between 1999 and 2012.

Greer added: “We are incredibly grateful for all the critical support we receive from current funders and supporters, however there is a significant gap that needs to be filled.

“We have looked to fix the admissions at a level far below the UK average museum attraction entry charge to ensure the ship continues to attract and be accessible to as large and diverse an audience as possible, while fairly reflecting the unique, quality experience of exploring an iconic ship like the Glenlee.”

The charge will be introduced alongside a new booking system, which will allow visitors to buy tickets online in advance.

Regular visitors will also have the opportunity to take out an annual membership which allows unlimited visits over 12 months for the cost of three individual trips.