David Livingstone Centre revamp

A project to renovate a museum dedicated to Scots explorer David Livingstone has been awarded more than £6 million funding.

The Scottish Government will invest £1.375 million with £4.1 million coming from the National Lottery and £575,000 from Historic Environment Scotland.

The interpretation of around 3,000 internationally significant artefacts will be modernised and visitor facilities such as the café and shop upgraded.

Born in 1813 in Blantyre, David Livingstone spent 30 years exploring southern, central, and eastern Africa, often in places where no European had previously ventured.

International Development Minister Alasdair Allan said:

“David Livingstone remains to this day a deeply inspirational and iconic figure to many people here in Scotland, in Africa and across the world. Principles of global humanitarianism and solidarity lay behind much of his work.

“The reinvigoration of these historic buildings and surrounding grounds, aided by the Scottish Government’s £1.375 million funding, will create new spaces and opportunities for people to learn about the important legacy of one of Scotland’s national heroes. It is appropriate that the project gets underway during this, our Year of History, Heritage and Archaeology.

“The other partners, the Heritage Lottery Fund, Historic Environment Scotland, the Scotland Malawi Partnership and South Lanarkshire Council are to be congratulated for working with the David Livingstone Trust to support this exciting project.”