Date set for return of Campbell's Bluebird

The Bluebird was piloted in 2018 for the first time in 50 years

Donald Campbell's recording-breaking Bluebird is set to return to Coniston later this week.

The jet engine hydroplane crashed on the lake in Cumbria almost 60 years ago, killing Mr Campbell as he attempted to set a new water speed world record.

It was raised from the bottom of Coniston Water in 2001 by Tyneside-based engineer Bill Smith, who agreed to restore it.

Following a long-running disagreement between Mr Smith and The Ruskin Museum over its ownership, the craft is due to be handed over on Saturday.

Bluebird will then be returned to the Ruskin Museum where it will be displayed to the public at a later date.

The craft was gifted to the venue by Mr Campbell's daughter, Gina Campbell, five years after it was raised, on the understanding Mr Smith would restore it at his workshop.

Bill Smith after raising Bluebird in 2001

Jeff Carroll, vice chairman of the Ruskin Museum Trustees, said: “We are hoping that the removal from Mr Smith’s workshop which has been Bluebird’s home for the last 23 years, will be accomplished easily and quickly but the boat must be checked.

"We have to ensure that this priceless piece of Britain’s heritage is properly stowed for its journey to Coniston.”

Mr Smith claimed his Bluebird Project part-owned the craft after repairing half of the vehicle and building the other half "from scratch".

The dispute escalated in February 2023 when the Ruskin Museum issued legal proceedings against Mr Smith calling for Bluebird to be returned.

It will take around four hours for Bluebird to be taken from North Tyneside to Coniston, with the boat due to arrive between 15:30 and 16:00 GMT.

Mr Campbell's daughter is expected to be at the museum to welcome it back, along with a crowd of spectators.

The museum will close on Friday at 14:30 GMT to make preparations for the return, and is expected to reopen on 19 March.