GLASGOW Science Centre, one of Scotland’s most popular visitor attractions, turns 18 years old today.

It is a double celebration for the charity this week after the six millionth visitor was recorded passing through its doors.

On July 5, 2001, Glasgow Science Centre was officially opened by the Queen and Prince Philip who toured the Science Mall, IMAX and Glasgow Tower.

Gillian Lang, deputy director of science and Glasgow Science Centre’s longest-serving member of staff, said: “Everyone at Glasgow Science Centre is proud of how the centre has developed into one of Scotland’s most popular tourist attractions with more than six million people paying us a visit.

“Of course, GSC has grown to be so much more than a visitor destination, with our building now synonymous with the Glasgow skyline. We can now look forward to the next 18 years as our in-house and on-tour teams continue to inspire countless people in Glasgow and beyond with science and the significant role it plays in all our lives.”

Glasgow Science Centre is also an independent Scottish charity, which, according to its website, aims to “create interactive experiences that inspire, challenge and engage to increase awareness of science for all in Scotland, enhance the quality of science and technology learning... and promote Scotland’s science, education and innovation capability”.