The National Mining Museum Scotland has revealed plans to transform underused areas around it into renewable energy sources for the local community.
The plans involve transforming the Lady Victoria Colliery, a 131-year-old former coal mining 'super-pit' that now serves as the museum's home, into a renewable energy hub.
The project is being supported by a green energy partnership of more than 250 engineers, designers and sustainable development specialists alongside a newly formed design team.
It will also create conserved industrial heritage exhibits by opening up areas that have long been closed to the public, as well as an immersive heritage experience.
Funding is now being sought from investors. The museum needs £450,000 for the development and has already secured £140,000 in funding.
Henry McLeish, chair of the National Mining Museum Scotland, said: "With the need for renewable energy becoming ever more urgent, and the specialist mechanical skills once needed to power our site disappearing, we’ve been working closely with engineers, architects and pioneers to explore how we can best transform our museum to meet the needs of future generations."
Plans for immersive heritage experience
“We’re thrilled to share some of those proposals today, but of course, they will only become a reality if we can secure sufficient early investment," he added.
"We’re incredibly grateful to everyone who has supported us so far and would welcome conversations with anyone interested in helping drive regeneration for years to come."
The museum has been exploring the best use of the site and has identified areas that would be ideal for installations such as solar panels and safe battery storage.
Additionally, the former boiler house could be transformed into an immersive 'arrested decay' visitor experience.
Gordon Barr, development manager (Scotland) at the Architectural Heritage Fund, said the organisation exists "to help communities find enterprising ways to revitalise the old buildings they love, so it is incredibly exciting to be able to support these proposals being developed".
"Like the historic boilers, I’m all fired up to see these exciting plans coming together for a nationally important industrial heritage site," he added.
