Livingstone Centre plan is approved

Jun 11 2009 by John Rowbotham, Hamilton Advertiser

THE future of the David Livingstone Centre looked to be more secure this week.

South Lanarkshire Council’s executive committee yesterday (Wednesday) approved a package of measures aimed at saving the great explorer’s birthplace.

And if, as is now expected, the National Trust for Scotland lift their threat to the future of the centre, it will be a victory for more than 9000 Advertiser readers who signed our ‘Save the Livingstone Centre’ petition.

The petition was launched in March following the decision by the financially-troubled NTS to end their management of the centre unless arrangements could be made for a £100,000 annual deficit to be cleared.

Council chief executive Archie Strang told the executive committee there had been numerous meeting concerning the centre between council officials and officers of the trust.

He had received an e-mail from the trust’s chief executive, Kate Mavor, pointing out that they had been sent the Advertiser’s petition. She told him there was “a substantial body of opinion that want the centre to be retained”.

Mr Strang added: “NTS have been very focused on clearing what they see as a significant deficit and it is a priority for them.

“The chief executive (of NTS) advised me that there was no additional funding from other sources, although there was a private benefactor and it might be possible to get something from them but not a lot.”

He added: “I am saying we could develop a partnership approach with a view to minimising the ongoing deficit.

“It would still need a cash injection substantially more than the £20,000 we currently grant to the centre. I am asking that you allow me to negotiate up to £50,000 with a view to securing an agreement.”

In addition to upping their annual grant to a maximum £50,000, the council were also prepared to look at the possibility of taking over responsibility for ground maintenance, joint working, marketing opportunities, and promoting the centre as an educational resource.

Mr Strang said the NTS would be prepared to continue management of the centre, providing the package of proposals was agreed.

Council Leader Eddie McAvoy recommended approval of the package and added: “The campaign run by the Hamilton Advertiser attracted the support of over 9000 people and showed there is a big interest in the centre. We want to help and get involved but we have to watch that we don’t commit ourselves to a long-term revenue stream.”

He said Scottish Enterprise, who once contributed an annual grant of £25,000 to the centre, had “abandoned” it.

Councillors gave Mr Strang the go-ahead to commence negotiations with the NTS, based on the proposals outlined, and report back after the summer recess.