VISITOR NUMBERS SOAR AT THE SCOTTISH MINING MUSEUM

Scotland’s national mining museum has dramatically bucked the trend among comparable visitor attractions by recording a sharp rise in visitor numbers over the second half of 2008.

 

The increase was at its most striking during the summer tourism season, with footfall for August up more than a quarter on the year before.  Overall, the Scottish Mining Museum, based at the former Lady Victoria Colliery in Newtongrange, ended 2008 with visitor numbers up 10 per cent on the previous year – again, contrary to the trend for other attractions in south-east Scotland.

 

Former First Minister Henry McLeish, the museum’s Chairman, said: “We couldn’t wish for a better set of numbers to take with us into our current round of discussions with both the Holyrood government and various local authorities to secure the museum’s funding for the period ahead.

 

“It proves that our recent success in winning the title of Scotland’s Most Treasured Place, which seemed to surprise some people, was no flash in the pan. Scots are rightly fascinated by the unique insights that the museum provides into an industry and a culture that are woven deep into the fabric of the Scottish identity.

 

“These figures confirm what our visitors tell us time after time – that the Scottish Mining Museum really is one of Scotland’s great days out.”

 

His comments were echoed by the Museum’s Director, Fergus Waters, who said: “We have every expectation of doing even better in 2009, despite the economic slowdown, and we’re positively bursting with ideas for building on the achievements of the past year.

 

“In particular, we’re confident of sharing in the success of the Homecoming initiative, with a terrific programme of events for people who want to learn more about their family backgrounds in Scotland’s mining communities.”

 

He paid tribute to the work of staff and volunteers in maintaining the museum’s status as a five-star visitor attraction in the face of financial uncertainties. “This is a great team, with a great product,” Mr Waters said. “That might sound boastful, but clearly our customers agree!”