Lord Provost Liz Cameron views a work entitled Expression

The appeal was a key part of funding the �28m revamp of the flagship Kelvingrove Art Gallery and Museum in Glasgow's west end.

It was launched in March 2002 and the museum will reopen on 11 July.

Lord Provost Liz Cameron and Lord Macfarlane, chairman of the appeal, announced it had raised �12.75m. The original target was �5.5m.

Much of the money came from charitable trusts and foundations.

'Real tribute'

The appeal trust also received support from individuals including Lord and Lady Laidlaw, Sir Tom and Lady Farmer and Sir Arnold and Lady Clark.

The fund has received almost 4,700 donations over four years, with about 4,000 of them coming via a public appeal launched in 2005.

As a result of the extra money, the trust has been able to extend the refurbishment.

Lord Macfarlane said: "It was extremely important to us all that the refurbishment of Kelvingrove be conducted in a well-managed and financially prudent manner."

The Hunter Foundation donated �5m and the Scottish Executive gifted �1m.

Lord Macfarlane added: "All of the additional work has been achieved within the original project timetable.

"That is a real tribute to the positive relationship the council developed with the main contractors and the excellent management of the project."