Young Artists Say Happy 60th Birthday to Glasgow Airport

Glasgow Airport has unveiled a new exhibit made up of birthday cards it has received from local primary school children as part of its 60^th anniversary.

The large-scale artwork, revealed on Friday 26 June, features a collection of winning designs from a special competition inviting pupils across Renfrewshire to create a 60th birthday card for the airport.

The initiative was open to schools within the local catchment and drew entries from children aged Primary 1 to Primary 7.

In total, 36 winning pupils were selected across seven age categories, with their colourful and imaginative designs brought together to form a exhibit now on displayed proudly at the airport.

The competition formed part of a wider programme of activity to mark six decades since Glasgow Airport first opened in 1966, giving young people the opportunity to learn about the airport’s history while celebrating its milestone year.

Winning pupils, joined by parents and teachers, were invited to the airport for the official unveiling, where they saw their artwork displayed for the first time in front of passengers and guests.

Gavin Birch-Williams, Managing Director of Glasgow Airport, said: “As we celebrate 60 years of Glasgow Airport, it feels especially fitting to mark this milestone with the communities around us. The idea of a ‘birthday card’ from local children really resonated, and the creativity on display has been fantastic.

“This exhibit is a wonderful tribute to our anniversary, and a lasting reminder of the role young people play in our future. We were delighted to welcome the winners to the airport and celebrate their brilliant work.”

Councillor Emma Rodden, Renfrewshire Council’s Education Convener, said: “Renfrewshire’s young people should be very proud. They have shown fantastic creativity in their artwork to celebrate this special milestone. It’s wonderful that so many of our primary schools have taken part. Their artwork is a brilliant way to celebrate this anniversary. Everyone involved should be very proud of their contribution to this mural.”

Glasgow Airport officially opened on 2 May 1966, with its iconic terminal designed by Sir Basil Spence, and was formally inaugurated by Queen Elizabeth II on 27 June that year.

The site’s history stretches back even further to 1932, when it operated as RAF Abbotsinch, later becoming HMS Sanderling during the Second World War.

Today, the airport serves as a major international gateway for Scotland, connecting millions of passengers each year.

The exhibit unveiling is one of several initiatives taking place throughout 2026 to celebrate the airport’s 60th anniversary. These include the introduction of a commemorative anniversary logo, an exclusive whisky with Glengoyne and an invitation for the public to share their personal memories through the #GLA60Stories campaign.