This item was published during the term of a previous administration that ended in April 2007
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Future of Scottish Lead Mining Museum secured
01/03/2007
A funding package of up to £30,000 has been agreed which will enable the Museum of Scottish Lead Mining in Dumfries and Galloway to reopen its doors to the public on March 31.
The one-off grant payment from the Executive will allow the museum at Wanlockhead to continue its operations, and thereby preserve around 300 years worth of mining heritage.
Culture Minister Patricia Ferguson said:
"The village of Wanlockhead owes its very existence to the lead mining industry, and the Museum is an important part of our cultural heritage. It is therefore vital that we preserve and develop the role it plays.
"As the only former lead mine in Scotland open to the public, it provides a unique and fascinating glimpse into one of Scotland's oldest industries for current and future generations."
The museum, which opened in 1974, attracts around 12,000 paying visitors every year.
The Wanlockhead Miner's Library is the second oldest subscription Library in Scotland and indeed Europe and was established on November 1, 1756 by 32 men.
It also houses a stock of ancient books which will continue to be made available to the public.
Leadhills Miners Library was formed in 1741 and is the oldest subscription library in Britain. Leadhills is an adjacent village to Wanlockhead.