// BBC UK NEWS — CRONACA
Clock starts ticking on race to buy Scotland's 'forgotten Einstein' church
The community wants to buy the church and create a centre celebrating James Clerk Maxwell
A fundraising drive has been launched to purchase a south of Scotland church with links to the man described as "Scotland's forgotten Einstein".
Villagers in Parton hope to buy the building but face a race against time with less than 60 days before a 1 November deadline.
Scientist James Clerk Maxwell - whose work paved the way for mobile phones, radio and television - is buried in the church graveyard.
The community hopes to raise £70,000 to buy the building and ensure it is wind and watertight while moving towards converting it into a science and community centre.
Church purchase plan would honour 'Scotland's forgotten Einstein'
The move follows a meeting in the village earlier this week where it was decided to push ahead with the plans.
A steering group has been set up along with a fundraising page.
Community council chairman Paul Hodson said they were optimistic that they could gather the funds needed to meet the deadline agreed with the Church of Scotland.
"Several individuals and families in the village have already pledged to donate," he said.