POLITICAL and social activist Desmund Tutu is helping mark the life and legacy of Scottish explorer David Livingstone in the bicentenary celebrations of his birth.

The former Archbishop of Cape Town will introduce a lecture by Lord McConnell of Glenscorrodale, former First Minister of Scotland.

He will speak in a special video message at the Glasgow University lecture, called Livingstone's Legacy: Lessons for Today.

Blantyre-born Livingstone is famous for his explorations of sub-Saharan Africa, his famous encounter with journalist Sir Henry Stanley and his stance against slavery.

He is also well-known for his pioneering medical research, including the promotion of quinine in the treatment of malaria.

On Tuesday, a historic gavel was presented to NHS Greater Glasgow and Clyde by Livingstone's great, great grandson to mark the bicentenary of the explorer's birth.

The gavel was carved from the wood of the tree under which Livingstone's heart was buried following his death in Zambia in 1873.

Glasgow University is hosting a symposium to study issues surrounding health and infectious diseases in Africa.

The lecture by Lord McConnell will be held in the Bute Hall at 6.45pm on February 28 and is free to attend, but visitors must register by visiting the following link: http://www.gla.ac.uk/davidlivingstone2013lecture