National Library sets sights on unique literary archive

ONE of the most remarkable literary archives in the world could make its home in Scotland, it emerged yesterday.

The John Murray collection, which includes the writings of Scots Sir Walter Scott and explorer David Livingstone, would return to native shores if it is purchased by the National Library of Scotland.

The literary archive is understood to be going up for sale and the library is expected to get first refusal at a specially reduced price of 33m.

If not, the collection could be auctioned on the open market for at least 40m and risks being split up all over the world.

In the past the National Library of Scotland has expressed "real enthusiasm" for buying the collection of more than 150,000 letters and thousands of other documents.

But a spokesman refused to comment yesterday on the possible sale because of "government involvement".

A rare glimpse of the collection will be given tomorrow when John Murray, a descendant of the founding publisher, is expected to explain his intentions more fully at a press conference in London.

Then on Tuesday the Scottish culture minister Frank McAveety is set to make an announcement regarding the collection at the National Library of Scotland, on George IV Bridge, Edinburgh.

An Executive spokesman said: "Frank McAveety is hoping to make an announcement about the John Murray archive shortly."

It is understood the National Library of Scotland has applied for a 22m grant from the heritage lottery fund in order to buy the collection.

It has also been reported that the Executive is to back that with a grant of 6.5m, while the rest of the money would be raised by public appeal.