A CASH boost has been promised to mark the 200th anni-versary of the birth of one of Scotland's greatest sons.

The Scottish Govern-ment is giving £50,000 to the Livingstone 200 programme which is celebrating the birth of David Livingstone in Blantyre, Lanarkshire.

External Affairs Minister Humza Yousaf said: "Dr David Livingstone was one of Scotland's greatest explorers and made a significant contribution to our understanding of the world.

"The Livingstone 200 programme will celebrate the life and achievements of this extraordinary man.

"This additional funding is aimed at broadening the scope of the programme and extending participation in activities and events, as well as strengthening Scotland's grassroots links with Malawi and Zambia.

"It is an opportunity to build on Dr Livings-tone's legacy."

Earlier this month, the Evening Times told how The David Livings-tone Centre in Blantyre was given accreditation by the National Trust for Scotland.

Livingstone 200 proj-ect leader Nat Edwards said: "The bicentenary is a celebration not only of an extraordinary person but also of what any of us can achieve – if we put our minds to it. This is a fantastic chance for events to take on an international flavour."

rebecca.gray@ eveningtimes.co.uk