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Content updated Thu, 04 Feb 1999 09:46:21 GMT

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Summary of Birthplace Appeal Progress - 30th November 1998

News Release: John Muir House Bought by Trust

JOHN MUIR HOUSE, DUNBAR BOUGHT BY TRUST

The birthplace of pioneering conservationist, John Muir, in Dunbar has been bought by a trust in the first stage of an innovative project to transform the building into an interpretative centre and tourist attraction.

The John Muir Birthplace Trust (JMBT) was formed in September 1998 as a partnership project involving East Lothian Council, the John Muir Trust, Dunbar's John Muir Association and Dunbar Community Council. The aim of the JMBT has been to secure the future of the house in Dunbar and to develop it into an interpretative centre focused on Muir's work.

The JMBT launched a fundraising campaign to raise £90,000 to buy the house at 128 High Street, Dunbar. This target has now been reached through a combination of donations from individuals, companies and Trusts totalling £35,000 and loans from East Lothian Council and the John Muir Trust.

Cllr. Norman Hampshire, Vice-Chair of Education and Community Services Committee said: "This is a tremendous achievement which has been realised in a comparatively short time. The Trust is now starting a second phase of fundraising to meet the full cost of purchasing and transforming the building. John Muir was a remarkable man whose innovative work in conservation has influenced generations. The proposed centre will be a worthy memorial to the man and his work."

The American actor, Lee Stetson, will be bringing his one-man show about the life of John Muir to East Lothian and Edinburgh in August 1999 and, on a recent visit to Dunbar, posed in character for pictures to celebrate the purchase of the house.

Note to Editors

John Muir's life and work has inspired conservationists the world over yet he is still largely unknown in his own country. Born in Dunbar in 1838, John Muir emigrated to the United States where he campaigned for the preservation of natural environments through his work as an environmentalists, geologist and botanist.

His legacy lives on in the National Parks of the world and in the greater awareness of the importance of wild places. Telling the story of the man and his vision in the town where he was born will inspire a whole new generation to share the vision and learn more about conservation.

3 February 1999
Issued by Jill Mackay, Public Relations Officer Tel: 01620 827743