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Emergency funding for Mining Museum
17/03/2009
The immediate future of the Scottish Mining Museum has been secured with the award of £1.3 million from the Scottish Government for urgent structural repairs.
Culture Minister Michael Russell announced the support during a visit to the museum where he saw first-hand how this capital funding will be used to repair derelict buildings and ensure continued public access to this unique industrial heritage site.
Mr Russell met with members of the Museum's Trust, Museums Galleries Scotland and Historic Scotland to discuss the longer term issues facing the museum and how best to ensure a sustainable future.
Culture Minister Michael Russell said:
"The Scottish Mining Museum continues to do some excellent work in preserving and allowing access to this important part of our heritage. The funding I have announced today will improve buildings on site which are badly in need of repair and will ensure continued safe access for visitors.
"I am committed to working with all those involved to ensure this important part of our industrial heritage continues to be preserved and that it remains accessible to the public. Accordingly, today was also about hearing how the trustees are addressing the serious longer term challenges facing the museum.
"In light of these challenges, which are faced by the whole museums sector, and the many representations I have received on related issues, I am hosting a museums summit in May to talk through the issues and consider the best way forward for this sector which is central to Scotland's cultural life.
"The Scottish Mining Museum is a great asset for Midlothian and for Scotland, so we must work together to ensure it has a sustainable future that sees an increase in visitor numbers and an appropriate business model that supports the excellent work being done here."
Chair of the Scottish Mining Museum Trust Henry McLeish said:
"We warmly welcome the announcement by the Minister which follows on from his earlier comments and indicates his confidence in the future of the Scottish Mining Museum. We will work closely with the Minister and others to realise the enormous potential of the Museum and to continue to build on the successes of recent years. The Museum is undeniably a very important part of Scotland's industrial heritage and we owe it to the people of Scotland to preserve this outstanding icon and pass it on to future generations."
The funding announced today totals £1.32 million over three years - 70,000 pounds in 2008/09, 700,000 pounds in 2009-10 and £550,000 in 2010-11.
The Scottish Mining Museum benefits from 220,000 pounds of revenue funding from Museums Galleries Scotland annually. This support comes from MGS's Recognition Scheme for nationally significant collections, 600,000 pounds of which is ring-fenced for the Mining, Fisheries and Maritime Museums.
In 2008 the Scottish Government also provided £25,000 to the Mining Museum for emergency repairs to a retaining wall.