John Muir's Birthplace

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DJMA Newsletter #18

DJMA Newsletter #19

DJMA Newsletter #20

Newsletter No. 19
December 2001

Scottish Charity No 022857

Contents

1. Message from the President
2. AGM Report
   1. Welcome
   2. Agenda
   3. President
   4. Treasurer
   5. Membership Secretary
   6. Council Election
   7. A.O.C.B.
3. President's Report
4. The DJMA Council's Stance
5. Now, what can you do?

Message from the President

This is a short newsletter to bring you up to date on ongoing developments with the John Muir Birthplace. It includes a report on the annual general meeting, a copy of the association's constitution, copy of an article that appeared in The Edinburgh Evening News and copies of letters that have been written by members and others to the Scottish Executive in support of the proposals of the John Muir Birthplace Trust.

My reason for copying the letters ( which have each author's consent to be included) is that Historic Scotland should have given consent or otherwise to the plans for the Birthplace, passed by the planners from East Lothian Council, by 16th October but are now awaiting a decision from the Scottish Executive as to whether or not the plans are called in for a public enquiry. I exhort each of you to write to the Scottish Executive in the strongest terms in support of the Birthplace Trust. The appropriate addresses are shown later in this newsletter. The reasons for your council's support of the proposals are best set out in the Evening News report.

These are trying times for the Association. You may be aware that a motion was raised by Mr Graham White supported by Mr Donald Bracewell, calling for the resignation of the council on the basis of support for the Birthplace Trust and lack of consultation. The motion was not accepted on the grounds that it did not meet with the requirements of the constitution as you will see in the AGM report. Mr White was given the opportunity to address the meeting but chose not to.

John Muir Birthplace Trust deserves and needs your support. Please give it to them.

Yours aye
Dan Cairney

AGM Report

Welcome

Thirty three people attended the 2001 AGM of DJMA on 27th September in Dunbar Grammar School. Convenor Jim Thompson welcomed all attending. He informed the meeting that on behalf of DJMA members, he had posted a message of sympathy and condolence on our website to all our American friends in respect of the terrorist atrocity in New York and Washington.

Agenda

The Council received a request from Graham White that a motion be tabled calling for dismissal of the Convener and the rest of the DJMA Council members who were supportive of JMBT proposals. The Convener stated that according to advice, the Constitution did not allow for this motion to be tabled and referred to Item 10.1 which states the 3 specific purposes of an AGM. The Convener also read Items 10.3 and 7.4. To table such a motion would require calling of a special meeting with at least 25 supporters with 14 days notice. However, Mr White was offered an opportunity to air his views under A.O.C.B. Mr White demanded to be heard immediately, and on refusal and after heated debate, left with his supporter, Mr Don Bracewell.

President

The meeting continued with an address from the President, Dan Cairney (full address is printed in this newsletter) Dan thanked DJMA members for their hard work and commitment during the year. He also praised the museum staff for their efforts in explaining the Birthplace plans and proposals to residents and visitors.

Treasurer

Will Collin presented the Account of Income and Expenditure for Year to 3 August, split into the main accounts and merchandise accounts (sent out with last newsletter) The Bank Account stands at £5594.

On the income side there has been an increase of over £200, mainly due to life and affiliate subscriptions.

This year DJMA received a grant of £500 from the Community Council towards the cost of a new Clifftop Trail booklet which covers the walk from the Harbour to West Barns, and is in the final stages of preparation. The Association will have to outlay for its production, though money will be recouped through sales.

Cost of production of the newsletter has recently been rising, although postage has been kept to a minimum thanks to local distribution by Jim Thompson, Richard Weller and others. Merchandise income is mainly from the sale of 'John Muir's Dunbar' booklet. Thanks are due to Jim who runs the stock.

Will advised that there would be no increase in subscriptions this year, but next year a rise will be inevitable. The auditor Wallace Dempster was thanked and reappointed.

Membership Secretary

Jim Thompson presented a breakdown of membership types as follows:- 38 ordinary, 56 family, 39 concession, 4 corporate, 12 life and 6 honorary - and estimated around 203 individual members.

Council Election

The following members were re-elected to Council:-
Duncan Smeed, Liz McLean, Jim Thompson, Joan Baillie and Will Collin

A.O.C.B.

A series of questions and answers took place - these mainly concerning proposals for the Birthplace.

The Convener thanked all for attending and closed the AGM

Following a break for refreshments, David Campbell gave an excellent presentation on the proposed development of John Muir Birthplace. This was well received

(Post Script) Since the AGM, we are pleased to report that the Clifftop Trail booklet has received a grant of £500 from the Community Council, which means that the production costs have just about been met, and "Awards for All", the millenium grants authority have given a grant of £3,000 for the purchase of computer equipment including a laminator which will mean more professionally produced newsletters, posters etc.

President's Report

At last year's AGM I had the pleasure of reporting DJMA's role in the success of the fundraising campaign to secure the purchase the Birthplace, which had been put up for sale on the open market.

The meeting was told of the feasibility study proposals for the future direction and development of the Birthplace and which had been on display in the Library as part of our annual exhibition. This was the study which formed the basis of the successful funding application to the Heritage Lottery Fund and is on display here again tonight. I invite you to view the proposals and to read also the list of those people acknowledged by the consultants, - and I quote - "During the consultation process, we were grateful for the time freely given by a number of individuals whoa are listed in Appendix One. It is clear that there is an enormous knowledge and commitment to John Muir among the organisations and associations carrying his name and other individuals. We were grateful for the depth of understanding and inspiration provided by all those we met."

Among those who were involved in this consultation process is the principal objector to the proposals now to implement the findings of the study. I concluded my report last year by saying that we could now go forward to build on the year's activities with optimism.

Well - it has been an active year! As a partner in the Birthplace Trust, we were successful in the application to the Heritage Lottery Fund and were awarded £292,000 towards the development of an interpretive centre in John Muir's Birthplace. The HLF, in awarding this amount, took into consideration the enormous amount of volunteer time and energy which had gone into the project. As partners in the Birthplace Trust, we were involved with the selection of Designers Campbell and Co. together with Richard Murphy as Architect. Their remit was to build upon the feasibility study to "transform the building into an interpretation centre". This word - transformation - is used in all the fundraising leaflets which have been distributed widely both here and in the USA.

We are very pleased to have David Campbell here tonight to describe the philosophy behind their proposals to tell the story of Muir's life and to interpret his achievements and legacy for to-day and for the future. At the moment, Planning Permission has been granted for the proposals and Listed Building Consent is awaited. Other Statutory Approvals, such as Building Control Approval, will be concluded in due course. I mentioned too at last year's AGM that we were pleased that Dunbar was to have the opportunity to host much of the successful Infinite Storm of Beauty exhibition from April 2000 throughout the summer season. This attracted increased numbers of people to both the house and to the Parish Church which shared in the exhibition and I would like to thank both the Parish Church and East Lothian Council for their enormous contribution to the success of this venture.

Other highlights of the year included Professor John Simpson's talk 'Yearnings of the Land'. This gave us a fantastic insight into the journey which the young John Muir might have had en route to America. We also heard the words of farmers in Marquette County who are living in the spirit of John Muir today.

The Parish Church Hall was the scene of an hugely successful Saturday morning collaboration with Jo McNamara and others to start making the 'Tree of Life'. Scores of children - and their parents - designed and made leaves and butterflies and snails and a host of exotic pieces for a ceramic mural for the Primary School. Jo and team have now spent a day with every class in the school and every child has made a part for the Tree. Thanks to all who helped with this event. We look forward to seeing the results.

Unfortunately, we had to postpone our litter clean-up of the Clifftop trail. Bad weather made this too hazardous - however, we do hope to re-arrange it for a future date.

The Town Trail Guided Walks around John Muir's Dunbar have continued with great commitment from Jim Thompson, who has held regular walks throughout the summer and is available also at other times by appointment.

Progress towards the completion of the new Guide to the Clifftop Trail has been delayed for various reasons. We hope to get back on track with this shortly and are delighted to report that SNH have agreed to give a grant towards the cost of the publication.

I cannot ignore the present controversy regarding the development of the Birthplace. A campaign, based on mis-truths and half truths, with constantly shifting arguments has raged with frenzy against the proposals. DJMA has tried to counter this onslaught with facts - you will have seen the letters from people like Winifred Sillito, Aubrey Manning, Herbert Coutts etc. who have written in measured tones but with no less conviction than Graham White who has led the opposition.

We too are passionate about this project - we have worked for many years to get to this stage - to create an inspirational centre aimed at encouraging people to learn more about Dunbar's famous son and the immense contribution he made to worldwide conservation.

In a Press Statement issued on 3 August, Professor Dennis Mollisson, a Birthplace Trustee and also John Muir Trust Trustee, said "I hope that attention can now re-focus on the core aim of the project: to promote John Muir's vision of the inter-dependence of people and nature, which is more than ever relevant in today's environmental climate."

The DJMA Council's Stance

The Council of Dunbar's John Muir Association support the proposals of The John Muir Birthplace Trust in setting up the John Muir Interpretative Centre in the Birthplace at 126 High Street, Dunbar. First of all, without the funds raised by JMBT the three floors would now be in separate ownership rather than the whole building being in the public domain.

As for the interior, we would like to put forward a different viewpoint from that of the "Save John Muir's House Campaign". JMBT have said all along in their various campaign leaflets that their aim was to raise funds to purchase and transform the building into an interpretation centre. Using modern interactive technology, the story of John Muir's life and his pioneering work will be told. The various leaflets which they produced all stress that the 'transformation' of the building will allow "...the telling of the story, in the town where he was born, of the man and his vision..."

A leaflet issued by the "Save John Muir House" campaign states that

1. the house will be 'gutted';
2. the 1840s Muir Household Museum will be scrapped;
3. a 15 seat video theatre will be 'junked'; and
4. the Muir Birthplace as such will be abandoned.

(i) "The gutting of John Muir's house" which the leaflet says includes "the removal and destruction of BOTH upper floors". You are probably aware that the building had already been 'gutted' in the 1970s. All internal structures were removed and a totally new interior installed. The ground floor became a photographic shop and studio; the middle floor is a modern flat with open plan kitchen and lounge area; the upper floor at the behest of the local authority, is a small museum devoted to Dunbar's famous son. All that remained from John Muir's time were the outside walls, roof timbers and stone staircase - even the roof tiles were replaced. JMBT plan to remove this 20 year old installation.

(ii) "Scrapping the 1840s Muir Household Museum". Although this has served the cause fairly well over 20 years or so, sadly it was not attracting visitors in the numbers needed to have an impact. There is an embarrassing lack of knowledge in this country of John Muir's life and message. Ten years after it opened in 1981, the museum was being visited by around 1500 people annually. Some 10% were from overseas. It did not attract repeat visits and its effect on attitudes to conservation of wild places was minimal. It was also stocked with a variety of furniture and artifacts, none of which, other than a sewing sampler, had any connection with John Muir and most of which were from the second half of the 19th century when the family were in America, A ground floor exhibition this summer and last increased the number of visitors but not all made, or could make the journey to the top floor as there is no disabled access.

(iii) "Junking the 15 seater Video theatre". This grandiose title describes a small room on the top floor with a domestic sized TV set which runs a short (but good) film on John Muir, around 15 stacking plastic chairs and some display boards around the walls. It is totally inaccessible to the physically disabled and has no aids to those with hearing difficulties. It is to be replaced with a larger multipurpose space on the ground floor which will have up to date audiovisual facilities. This room will be able to be used with schoolchildren, as a meeting room or as an additional exhibition space. "Junking is an emotive word but it is time the current top floor set up was replaced by a modern facility.

(iv) "Abandoning the Muir Birthplace as such". This is perhaps the most serious charge. There is no written evidence that John Muir was born in the building but it is accepted that this is the most probable location. For that reason JMBT sought to purchase the property and succeeded in so doing. Far from abandoning his birthplace, it is now in public ownership. There is even less to say that John Muir was born in the top floor. If there is a strong case for maintaining that he was born in 126/128 High Street, exactly where is not known. It is at best misleading to assert that it was in the existing mock-up of a 19th century bedroom for the 1980s reconstruction of what the top floor might have looked like 150 years ago had no evidence on which to base the plans.

So what influenced JMBT's decision? Firstly, John Muir himself. On his return to Dunbar in 1893, he sought out his old home and that was the house next door at 130 High Street, for the Muir family had moved there when John was 3 years old. He lived there until departing for the New World in 1849. None of his letters and writings and letters refer to 126/128 High Street. He wrote to his wife that on arriving at Dunbar station "...there was no carriage from the Lorne Hotel that used to be our old home, so I took the one from the St George... but I am going to the Lorne, if for nothing else (than) to take a look at that dormer window I climbed in my nightgown..." That was 130 High Street.

Secondly, there is the immensity of the story to be told. To devote one third of the building to the first few years of his life by preserving that 1980s re-creation of an attic flat is a tremendously inefficient and unproductive use of space. John Muir is a colossal figure of world importance who packed so much into his 76 years that it is impossible to tell his life's story in a conventional fashion in the limited space of 126/128 High Street Far less is it impossible to also include the impact his legacy has made in the 87 years since his death and will continue to make on the future. Modern technology will be needed to tell as much as we are able This is not an attempt to create a Dunbar Disneyland.

Thirdly, JMBT believe that he has told us what shaped the young John Muir in his own writings, - the town of Dunbar, its coastline and the surrounding farmland stretching up into the Lammermuirs (He did not include his birthplace). He reveals this in the opening paragraphs of "My Boyhood and Youth", that well known passage that begins "When I was a boy in Dunbar, I was fond of everything that was wild..." The restructured John Muir Birthplace, for whatever is done will not change the location of his birth, should not be the sole reason for any follower of John Muir to visit Dunbar. Rather, it should be the starting point for an exploration of the town of Dunbar, his beloved coastline, the John Muir Park and the other areas that he knew and remembered for the rest of his life. These are what awakened in him his life long love of Nature. John Muir was not a lover of buildings but of open spaces. Already our Association has produced a booklet covering John Muir's Dunbar; we are in the final stages of producing a booklet covering the John Muir Clifftop Trail; and hopefully we will then tackle the John Muir Country Park. These are not the actions of an organisation insensitive to the man and his message.

Then there is a need to install toilets and a lift to allow disabled access to the upper floors. These are not possible without a major reorganisation of the interior but were essential to the success of JMBT's bid for Heritage Lottery Fund support. The lift shaft had to come through the inside of the building to satisfy the planners. It will mean major disruption to the layout of the top floor museum. Finally, criticism of the architect is misdirected. When he was appointed, I'm told architect Richard Murphy asked what was to be kept of the existing building. JMBT told him "everything that is original" JMBT have the plans used for the work done 20 years or so ago of which a leading architect, Ben Tindall has said "...the alterations done in the 1970s...were fairly brutal with the fabric of the building". JMBT chairman, Cllr. Norman Hampshire was an apprentice electrician at the time and worked in the building. He recalls standing on the ground floor and able to see the roof three storeys above.

Because of the controversy about JMBT's proposals, they commissioned an independent architect experienced in the renovation of old buildings, Nicholas Groves-Raines. to establish what remained from the 19th century. He confirmed that, apart from the external walls and roof timbers, only possibly three doors and a few recycled lengths of timber remained, and these had been resited. JMBT accepted that this confirmed their belief that there was nothing inside the building of historical or architectural merit.

Now, what can you do?

John Muir's Birthplace is BORING, right?

It won't be if the Trust's proposals get the go-ahead.

Isn't someone trying to stop them?

Ay, he's trying. Very trying.

Can we stop him?

It's up to you.

How so?

Tell Allan Wilson you want it.

Who's he?

Depute Minister for Sport, the Arts and Culture and ask him to APPROVE the plans for John Muir's Birthplace, Dunbar.

Write to him at Scottish Executive, St Andrew's House, Regent Road, Edinburgh, EH1 3DG
or e-mail at scottish.ministers@scotland.gov.uk

Here's some quotes already sent:

"The facts of the matter are these - some very promising plans which have been drawn up for a permanent John Muir visitor and study centre at the site of Muir's original birthplace in High Street, Dunbar are being obstructed by a number of Muir enthusiasts, mainly in the United States, who - although, no doubt, well-intentioned - seem to have seriously misunderstood the nature of what is proposed.

These opposition campaigners appear to be under the impression that constructing the new Visitor Centre will replace - indeed, will necessitate the demolition of - an original room in the original house where John Muir was born in 1838. Nothing could be further from the truth." - (Glasgow psychiatrist)

"The argument against the development has been muddled and mostly supported by misinformation. The structural report by Edinburgh's esteemed architects Nicholas Groves-Raines clearly showed little remained of the orginal house. Unless Scotland confronts the future, we will become a nation that dwindles in stature." - (Haddington architect)

"for me John Muir's spiritual home is not some poky house that is rumoured to be his birthplace, but the coastline where he would walk, the John Muir Country Park." - (Haddington ecologist)

"The important issue is the commemoration of this far sighted man and I believe that the Trust have worked hard to create a project which does justice to him. The building is still where he was born. Without having the historical information to recreate the home of John Muir, it seems to me completely inappropriate to produce an artificial period house when so much more can be achieved." - (Edinburgh golfer)

"None of his letters or others writings refer to 126/128 High Street. To devote one-third of the building to the first few years of his life by preserving that 1980s recreation of an attic flat is a tremendously inefficient and unproductive use of space. John Muir is a colossal figure of world importance who packed so much into his 76 years that it is impossible to tell his life's story in a conventional fashion in the limited space of 126/128 High Street. Far less is it possible to also include the impact his legacy has made in the 87 years since his death and will continue to make in the future. Modern technology will be needed to tell as much as we can. This is not an attempt at a Dunbar Disneyland. The restructured John Muir Birthplace (for whatever is done will not change the location of his birth) should not be the sole reason for any follower of John Muir to visit Dunbar. Rather, it should be the starting point for an exploration of Dunbar, his beloved coastline, the John Muir Park and the other areas that he knew and loved." - (volunteer guide to John Muir's Dunbar)

"Of great relevance to the current plans is a public meeting in Dunbar in 1999 during development of the application for support from the Heritage Lottery Fund. Then, the majority view was that an innovative development was preferable to recreating a 19th century-type display similar to the existing third floor museum. The present plans, which in my opinion are splendid, very much fulfil that vision. Members of DJMA heard a superb presentation by the designer behind the plans for the House at the 2001 AGM on 27 September. He impressed everyone with his enthusiasm, sensitivity towards the subject, and commitment to collaborate with others - he received a very warm reception." - former John Muir Trustee

"It is my sincere hope that the John Muir Birthplace will not become a showcase for chamber pots and 19th century crockery. Muir's message is too important to be obscured by these representations of the grim and boring past." - California school teacher

A selection of letters already sent

"As I am resident of California where John Muir's name is rightly revered, you will understand why I am writing in strong support of the application to transform 126-128 High Street Dunbar to create an Interpretation Centre at John Muir's Birthplace. The proposal to redevelop this house in Dunbar will create an inspiring interpretation centre worthy of the great man and his achievements. I urge you to support and approve this proposal" "As a member of the John Muir Trust I am writing to support the application to transform 126-128 High Street, Dunbar to create an Interpretation Centre at John Muir's Birthplace. The proposal to redevelop this house in Dunbar, for which I have seen the plans, will create an inspiring interpretation centre worthy of the great conservationist and his achievements. When the project is complete the Centre will be an important focus for learning about John Muir and why his work is so relevant today. This is particularly important for young people and visitors from all parts of Scotland who will be the core audience for this Centre. I have no doubt that local people and the many visitors from far and wide who will be attracted to Dunbar will not be disappointed by what they find."

"I was shocked to learn yesterday that Historic Scotland have still not issued consent for development of the John Muir Birthplace in Dunbar High Street to proceed and have referred the matter to Ministers for a decision. I am therefore writing to express my support for the plans which the John Muir Birthplace Trust have brought forward, which promise to create an inspiring interpretation centre worthy of John Muir's great achievements. I am writing as someone who has had a long-standing concern with environmental issues and with the need to build a more sustainable future society -in fact most of my working life has been devoted to this cause.

John Muir has been an inspiration to me for many years. By succeeding both in purchasing the birthplace and in raising the funds to develop it, the Birthplace Trust have created a unique opportunity to develop an interpretation centre which will, I believe prove an inspiration to action for many visitors and locals, and to young people in particular. I confess to being baffled to understand what objections there could be to the current proposals. By stripping out the modern interior, exposing whatever original features of the 18th Century building remain and then constructing a freestanding structure to contain the interpretive exhibition, the historic fabric of the building will be preserved. Nothing that is proposed will damage that historic fabric nor will it prejudice or preclude possible alternative uses for the building at some future date. I gather that some people are proposing that the interior ought to be re-constructed as it may have been in the 18 months that Muir lived there as a baby. However, none of the original interior survives nor does any record of how it appeared. With no original artefacts either, it is hard to see how such a conjectural 'mock heritage' approach could do anything to attract visitors or to inspire them with Muir's story and message which are so urgently relevant to us today. I can well imagine the scorn with which Muir himself would have treated such an idea. I urge you to give approval for this important project at the earliest opportunity."

"I am writing to support the application to transform 126-128 High Street Dunbar to create an Interpretation Centre at John Muir's Birthplace. The proposal to redevelop this house in Dunbar will create an inspiring interpretation centre worthy of the great man and his achievements.

Had the interior of this house been the original interior known by Muir it might have been appropriate to preserve the family home. However, the fact that the interior had been extensively altered over the years presented both a problem and an opportunity. Had the John Muir Birthplace Trustees decided to use modern materials to create an interior with the appearance of a period home this would have been misleading and uninspiring. There are no records detailing the appearance of this interior and no original artefacts to place in it. What would have been produced would have been 'mock' heritage. Moreover it would be very difficult to attract visitors with no prior knowledge of John Muir as a 'mock heritage' interior would communicate little about who Muir was and why he was so important.

It has always been clear from fundraising leaflets and all consultation on this project that a modern approach to the transformation of the House would be taken. The innovative scheme devised by Campbell & Co and Richard Murphy Architects will remove all the modern interior, inserted in 1980, to expose whatever original features of the original 18th Century building can be found. Modern technology is an appropriate tool to use alongside other 'lo-tech' interpretation media and the relationship between the remaining features of the 1840s building, the new internal structure and the interpretation media demonstrates a dynamic approach to heritage which in no way damages the historic features of the building. It is highly appropriate to tell the story of Muir, his ideas and his relevance for today in this respectful and innovative way. I strongly support the proposal to proceed with this important project and would urge you to give approval. When the project is complete the Centre will be an important focus for learning about John Muir and why his work is so relevant today. This is particularly important for young people and visitors from all parts of Scotland who will be the core audience for this Centre. The level of interest in this project will be high and I have no doubt that local people and the many visitors from far and wide who will be attracted to Dunbar will not be disappointed by what they find."

"I am writing to you in support of the application to transform 126-128 High Street Dunbar to create an Interpretation Centre at John Muir's Birthplace, in order to create an interpretation centre worthy of the visionary and his achievements. I also fully endorse the plans of the John Muir Birthplace Trust, which have evolved from considered and informed discussion over a number of years.

As the JMBT argue, had the interior of this house been the original interior known by Muir it might have been appropriate to preserve the family home. However, the fact that the interior had been extensively altered over the years presented both a problem and an opportunity. Had the John Muir Birthplace Trustees decided to use modern materials to create an interior with the appearance of a period home this would have been misleading and uninspiring. There are no records detailing the appearance of this interior and no original artefacts to place in it. What would have been produced would have been 'mock' heritiage. Moreover it would be very difficult to attract visitors with no prior knowledge of John Muir as a 'mock heritage' interior would communicate little about who Muir was and why he was so important.

It has always been clear from fundraising leaflets and all consultation on this project that a modern approach to the transformation of the House would be taken. The innovative scheme devised by Campbell & Co and Richard Murphy Architects will remove all the modern interior inserted in 1980 to expose whatever original features of the original 18th Century building can be found. Modern technology is an appropriate tool to use alongside other 'lo-tech' interpretation media and the relationship between the remaining features of the 1840s building, the new internal structure and the interpretation media demonstrates a dynamic approach to heritage which in no way damages the historic features of the building. It is highly appropriate to tell the story of Muir, his ideas and his relevance for today in this respectful and innovative way. I strongly support the proposal to proceed with this important project and would urge you to give approval. When the project is complete the Centre will be an important focus for learning about John Muir and why his work is so relevant today. This is particularly important for young people and visitors from all parts of Scotland who will be the core audience for this Centre. The level of interest in this project will be widespread given Muir's standing across the world, and I have no doubt that local people and the many visitors from far and wide who will be attracted to Dunbar will not be disappointed by what they find."

"As somebody with an interest in the life of John Muir (and having done some private study on him, a few years back, when I was visiting Wisconsin and California) I have felt concerned to hear during the past few months about a controversy currently surrounding the plans for the establishment of a John Muir Visitor Centre in the town of Dunbar, Muir's birthplace. I wonder whether you know all the details of this problem, and whether you would feel able to take an interest in its progress? It seems to me important, for a number of reasons:-

1. As an issue of our national heritage,
2. As an issue which concerns Scottish tourism, and especially affects visitors from North America,
3. As an educational issue concerning all Scots, especially young ones,
4. As a point of honour, concerning the use of a National Lottery grant which has already been awarded and agreed upon,
5. As a matter of historical truth affecting one of Scotland's greatest and most influential sons, the pioneer of Conservationism, John Muir himself, and
6. As a project into which a group of dedicated John Muir admirers have put years of personal effort and which looks, now, as though it may be unjustly (and quite unreasonably) interrupted on the verge of fulfilment.

The facts of the matter (which you will, I'm sure, be hearing about from many other people) are these - some very promising plans which, with the aid of a national Lottery grant of over £200,000, have been drawn up for a permanent John Muir visitor and study centre at the site of Muir's original birthplace in High Street, Dunbar are being obstructed by a number of Muir enthusiasts, mainly in the United States, who - although, no doubt, well-intentioned - seem to have seriously misunderstood the nature of what is proposed.

These opposition campaigners appear to be under the impression that constructing the new Visitor Centre will replace - indeed, will necessitate the demolition of - an original room in the original house where John Muir was born in 1838. Nothing could be further from the truth. The room at number 128 Dunbar High Street shown to visitors, up to now, as an example of the kind of place where John Muir's earliest memories might have been formed is in fact a modern reconstruction, devised during the nineteen-seventies and eighties. Some of its furniture does not even date from a period as early as the mid-nineteenth century, and in any case the entire building - with the exception of the roof, windows and outer shell - has been extensively demolished and reconstructed over the past century and a half. There is no question, therefore, of "preserving John Muir's birthplace" in its original condition. This, quite simply, is not an option.

The proposed new Visitor Centre will preserve all the surviving structures of the original building open to view, either from outside or from specially constructed internal viewpoints, while at the same time providing a modern exhibition centre and library to illustrate Muir's great achievements across the globe throughout his long life.

This will surely be of wider interest - and greater use - to many thousands of potential future visitors to Dunbar than will the preservation of a few artefacts which, although picturesque, have no real historical authenticity and no educational value at all.

I for one hope very much that common-sense - to say nothing of a real, and forward-looking, future respect for the memory of this extraordinary man and his lifelong achievement - will prevail in the matter of the John Muir Scottish memorial, and I most sincerely hope that you, Mr Wilson, will feel able to lend your support to bringing this about."

We hope that you will gain some inspiration from these letters (not all from DJMA members) and write to Mr Allan Wilson, MSP. The John Muir Birthplace Trust needs your support.

For those of you with access to the internet, further information can be found at http://www.jmbt.org.uk and http://www.djma.org.uk. The webpage opposed to JMBT's proposals is http://www.savejohnmuirhouse.org.uk