VISITORS to the birthplace of one of the most famous Scots in history are being invited to do a lap for Livingstone.

The David Livingstone Centre in Blantyre is hosting events on Sunday August 23 and Sunday 30 August to raise funds for the Grade A-listed property.

A fun run will be held in the grounds of the historic mill tenement at Shuttle Row alongside a toddler dash.

There is also a six mile trail run beginning at the Centre and going along the River Clyde Walkway.

Runners and spectators alike can also enjoy music, bouncy castles and fun and games in what promises to be a great day out at the Blantyre property on 23 August.

If this isn’t to enough to expend all that summer holiday energy, a week later, on 30 August, the Centre hosts it first ever sponsored zip slide. Daring visitors can experience a thrilling ride from a great height and at the same time raise funds for the cause of conservation.

David Livingstone Centre Property Manager Alison Ritchie explained:

“Heritage can be fun and this is certainly what we hope to show over the two weekends. David Livingstone relished challenges and in a small but nevertheless vital way we are inviting people to undergo a challenge of their own in his memory.

“All the money raised through the events will be ploughed straight back into the David Livingstone Centre and will help us preserve a little piece of Scotland’s history.

“The zip slide is the first sponsorship event of this type we have organised here. Those who want to take part pay a £25 registration fee and receive a sponsorship pack which they use in turn to sign up pledges from friends and relatives for donations payable when they complete the challenge.

“We hope each person completing the zip slide will raise £75 or more, and this money will go towards our goal of transforming the David Livingstone Centre into a leading heritage attraction, fulfilling important international, national and local roles that benefit the people of Blantyre and Lanarkshire.”

The Fun Run and Toddler Dash on 23 August each cost £3.00 to enter and will take place between 10.00 am and 3.00 pm.

The six mile Trail Run begins at 9.45 am on the same day and a booking fee will be applied to entrants who are non-members of the National Trust for Scotland and the Scottish Athletics Levy will be applied to non-members of Scottish Athletics.

More information can be obtained by calling 01698 536061.

The sponsored Zip Wire is ready for business from 10.00 am on 30 August and you can find out more or register to take part by calling 0131 458 0285 or by going to www.nts.org.uk/events/david-livingstone-centre