Glasgow Airport model crafted by father and son goes on display

Jude and Darren O'Donnell spent nine months working on the structure together.

Glasgow Airport model crafted by father and son goes on display in terminalGlasgow Airport

A detailed model of Glasgow Airport crafted by a South Lanarkshire schoolboy and his dad over nine months has gone on display at the travel hub.

Jude O’Donnell’s structure was unveiled within the West Pier, where it can be viewed by passengers travelling through the airport.

The ten-year-old aviation enthusiast worked on the model, which is two metres long, with dad Darren.

It features miniature replicas of the airport’s buildings and airfields, as well as tiny model aircraft.

Jude and Darren worked on the model for nine monthsGlasgow Airport
Jude and Darren worked on the model for nine months

The pair, from Cambuslang, spent countless hours perfecting the model, including wiring around 40 battery-operated lights.

Darren, who used to watch planes at the airport with his papa, said the project started out as a way of spending quality time with Jude.

He added: “My son was really the driving force behind it and was determined to see it completed.

“As we shared videos with family and friends, they could see how the model was progressing, and we realised we might be doing a decent job, especially since we were complete novices.

“The wiring and positioning of the buildings posed significant challenges.

“There were plenty of frustrating evenings, but it made it even more satisfying when we finally got everything right.”

Jude was given a tour of the airportGlasgow Airport
Jude was given a tour of the airport

Jude said: “I’m feeling really happy. It just came from an idea that we had, and we never thought it would be here on display.

“I did all of this with my dad, and now it’s here in Glasgow Airport.” 

Following the unveiling, Jude and his parents were treated to a tour of the airport.

They were shown around the terminal and had the chance to go airside and watch a demo by fire crews.

Firefighters at the airport carried out a demo during Jude's tourGlasgow Airport
Firefighters at the airport carried out a demo during Jude’s tour

Darren said: “We’re just blown away by how nice everyone was.

“The guys went above and beyond, and they’ve made the biggest impression on Jude.

“He all of a sudden wants to be a fireman.

“It’s something that Jude will remember for a long time. His sisters were certainly jealous.”

The model has been installed in the airport as celebrations of the site’s 60th anniversary continue.

The airport opened on May 2, 1966, with the first commercial flight landing that morning.

Queen Elizabeth II officially opened the terminal, designed by Sir Basil Spence, on June 27, 1966.

The O'Donnell family with Glasgow Airport managing director Gavin Birch-WilliamsGlasgow Airport
The O’Donnell family with Glasgow Airport managing director Gavin Birch-Williams

A range of events have been held throughout 2026 to mark the milestone, including the unveiling of a commemorative anniversary logo.

Gavin Birch-Williams, managing director of Glasgow Airport, said: “We were so impressed with the Glasgow Airport model that we wanted to share it with our passengers and wider airport community.

“Projects like these show the strength of the positive impact Glasgow Airport has had on the communities it has served over the past six decades and continues to serve today.

“Our 60th anniversary celebrations looked back on our proud heritage and set out our ambitions for the future.

“We can’t wait to make more memories in 2027 and beyond.”

STV News is now on WhatsApp

Get all the latest news from around the country

Follow STV News
Follow STV News on WhatsApp

Scan the QR code on your mobile device for all the latest news from around the country

WhatsApp channel QR Code
Posted in

Today's Top Stories

Popular Videos

Latest in Glasgow & West

Trending Now