Blantyre

The burgh of Blantyre in Lanarkshire, Scotland is probably best known as the birthplace of one of Scotland’s most famous missionary, David Livingstone. The house where he was born is now home to a museum, found on the banks of the River Clyde. Blantyre is nestled in an attractive area, bordered to the north by the River Clyde, to the south by the Rotten Burn, to the east by Park Burn and to the west by the Rotten Calder. The large medieval Bothwell Castle is nearby, on a high, steep bank, above a bend in the River Clyde. This 13^th century castle was constructed by the ancestors of Clan Murray, in order to guard a strategic crossing point of the river. Blantyre’s history also includes the tragedy of 22^nd October 1877 when the Blantyre mining disaster took the lives of 207 miners. The coal mine exploded due to methane gas and the youngest victim was just 11 years old; a monument to the disaster is at High Blantyre cross.

Blantyre offers some amenities and is within easy reach of other towns and villages offering additional choices for dining, leisure and shopping. The area is ideal for walkers, bird-watchers and outdoor enthusiasts with diverse flora, fauna and wildlife to accompany any activity. The history of Blantyre can be further explored at the David Livingstone Centre that is dedicated to the work of explorer and missionary. Cared for by the National Trust for Scotland, the museum is natural heritage listed and located in the former mill buildings which where once home to 24 families, including the Livingstones. Born on 19^th March 1813, the explorer’s life is depicted through exhibits and artefacts covering the period from his early childhood working in the mill, to his African adventures.