Popular visitor centre is saved from closure

Jul 9 2009 by John Rowbotham, Hamilton Advertiser

BLANTYRE’S David Livingstone Centre has been saved from closure - and that’s official.

The National Trust for Scotland lifted the threat to the future of the great explorer’s birthplace on Friday.

They took the decision after South Lanarkshire Council and an unnamed private donor agreed to help wipe out the centre’s annual £100,000 deficit.

And it is a victory for the 10,000 people from all over the world who backed the Advertiser’s ‘Save the Livingstone Centre’ petition.

The cash-strapped NTS announced in March that they would end their management of the centre unless arrangements could be made for the deficit to be cleared.

Council chiefs responded by increasing from £20,000 to £50,000 their annual grant to the centre.

And a short time later the Advertiser launched a petition to save the complex. About 10,000 people signed the petition which was sent to the NTS in May.

Following talks between the NTS and the council, councillors in June approved a package of measures aimed at safeguarding the future of the centre.

In addition to upping the annual grant, the council also affirmed they would take over responsibility for ground maintenance, and explore marketing, promotional and educational opportunities.

The David Livingstone Centre trustees, who own the centre, said they would contribute £10,000 to the coffers and are pressing ahead with plans to seek donations towards the running of the centre from wealthy Scots abroad.

NTS chief executive Kate Mavor was pleased that the DLC would now “remain open and that visitors will be able to enjoy (it) for years to come”.

She added: “South Lanarkshire Council have stepped in to significantly increase the support that they provide to the David Livingstone Centre.

“That, combined with contributions from the David Livingstone Trustees and from a generous donor, means that the Trust will continue to manage the centre, in partnership with the council and the DL Trustees.”

The centre’s 11 staff, four full-time and seven part-time, would continue in employment, she added.

Council Leader Eddie McAvoy said: “It is great news for the area and for Scotland that the David Livingstone Centre will remain open.

“We are pleased that the package we have offered will contribute to securing the future of this iconic centre celebrating the life of the world famous Victorian doctor and missionary.”