The original Flying Scotsman was built in 1923

Delays in building an Edinburgh visitor centre for the 80-year-old Doncaster-built machine have prompted its sale.

The National Railway Museum in York is to prepare a bid after rumours that Flying Scotsman could end up abroad when it is sold by its current owners.

The museum is trying to gather pledges of support from various funding agencies as well as the general public.

The Flying Scotsman currently pulls the Venice Simplon-Orient Express trains which run out of Victoria station in London.

Announcing the sale last week, the chief executive of Flying Scotsman plc, Peter Butler, said: "Naturally we are disappointed at this development, but we have been unable to make sufficient progress with the proposed Flying Scotsman visitor centre at Edinburgh.

"This is the best way forward to ensure the survival of the engine on the main line, and to protect shareholder interest."

Visitor attraction

The company has instructed international property advisers GVA Grimley to sell the Flying Scotsman steam engine - or locomotive No 4472 as it is officially known.

The head of the National Railway Museum, Andrew Scott, said they have until 2 April to submit a sealed bid.

He added: "If we are successful, the engine will play a key role in the museum's desire to ensure that people of all ages and from all backgrounds will have the opportunity to see world-class express steam locomotives in action."

Mr Scott said that when it was not pulling trains, Flying Scotsman would be on display in York as well as a the museum's new visitor attraction at Shildon in County Durham.

The original locomotive was made in Doncaster in 1923, remaining in main line passenger service until 1963.

It went through the string of private owners until Flying Scotsman plc was formed in 2001.