THE cramped mill home birthplace of Scots missionary David Livingstone has secured £6 million investment to transform it into a leading tourist attraction.
The Heritage Lottery Fund has pledged £4.1 million towards upgrading the museum in Blantyre, South Lanarkshire.
The Scottish Government has announced an investment of almost £1.4m, and Historic Environment Scotland has committed £575,000.
About 3000 artefacts will be modernised and visitor facilities such as the cafe and shop upgraded.
It is hoped the museum will also become a centre for research and support community regeneration. Lucy Casot, head of the Heritage Lottery Fund in Scotland, said: “The life of David Livingstone is both incredible and inspirational yet his pioneering work is recognised more in Africa than it is in Scotland where he was born.”
Dr Isabel Bruce, chairwoman of the David Livingstone Trust, said: “We are delighted with this announcement of funding.
“The Birthplace Project will reignite the powerful story of David Livingstone for new generations and further strengthen the worldwide connections that Livingstone, his principles and legacy have inspired – not just locally but globally.”
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