DARVEL is preparing to mark the 100th anniversary of Sir Alexander Fleming’s discovery of penicillin with a renewed tribute.
The scientist’s birthplace will commemorate his legacy with a redesigned memorial this September, honouring the man whose breakthrough changed the course of medicine.
Darvel Improvement Group (DIG) has launched an appeal to support the project.
Councillor Drew Filson, cabinet member for localities at East Ayrshire Council, said: "In East Ayrshire we are very proud to have educated two Nobel Prize winners—Sir Alexander Fleming and Lord John Boyd Orr at the former Kilmarnock Academy—a feat that's unrivalled in Scotland.
"But for the people of Darvel itself the connection with Sir Alexander runs even deeper.
"The new memorial will complete a very fitting tribute to the great man."
The current memorial, built in the 1950s, has fallen into disrepair.
DIG has secured £200,000 from the UK Pride in Place Impact Fund but now estimates the full cost could reach £350,000.
The group has launched a crowdfunding campaign and is seeking support from corporate and pharmaceutical partners.
The new design will feature a memorial wall facing north towards Fleming’s childhood home of Lochfield Farm.
A refurbished bronze bust will be mounted at his actual height.
Other features will include a Petri dish sculpture and seating made from the same whinstone as Lochfield Farm.
The councillor added: "Fleming is rightly celebrated throughout the world so it is apt that the pride felt in the community is reflected in a beautifully restored and enhanced memorial."
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