PLANS have been drawn up to transform the birthplace of the nation's most famous explorer into a jungle-themed adventure centre in a bid to improve its future.

The National Trust for Scotland, which runs the David Livingstone Centre in Blantyre, South Lanarkshire, wants to create aerial rides across the River Clyde, as well as treetop walkways and rock climbing activities.

It is also planning a huge maze, forest trails, cycling facilities and an art trail in the 20-acre estate that surrounds Livingstone's former home. The new look attraction would offer "the energy and creative fusion of Africa and Scotland - 19th-century exploration and 21st-century adventure," according to the proposals

Earlier this month it emerged the centre could be forced to close unless it received a multi-million-pound refurbishment.

The Scottish Government and Heritage Lottery Fund will both be asked to back the plans for the attraction, which normally attracts just 25,000 visitors a year.

Livingstone was born in the town in 1813 and studied medicine in Glasgow before joining the London Missionary Society. From 1841 until his death in 1873 he explored central and southern Africa.