Introduction
The National Mining Museum Scotland is dedicated to preserving the mining heritage of Scotland and is located in the small village of Newtongrange, near Edinburgh. The museum was opened in 1984 and was declared a World Heritage Site by UNESCO in 2017. It is the only museum of its kind in the United Kingdom and provides visitors with an insight into the lives of miners in Scotland during the 19th and 20th centuries.
Museum Overview
The National Mining Museum Scotland is the only museum in the UK dedicated to the history of coal mining and its impact on the lives of miners. The museum covers a wide range of topics including the industrial history of coal mining in Scotland, the social history of the miners and their families, and the impact of technological advances on the industry. The museum is divided into three main areas – the main exhibition hall, the colliery site and the workers’ cottages.
The main exhibition hall is the largest area and contains over 3000 exhibits from the mining industry, including tools, equipment, photographs and films. The colliery site is a preserved coal mining site and includes the remains of the Lady Victoria Colliery, which was the last deep coal mine to operate in Scotland. The workers’ cottages are a collection of 25 original workers’ cottages which were built in the late 19th century. The museum also hosts a variety of events and activities throughout the year.
What to See and Do
The National Mining Museum Scotland offers a variety of activities and events for visitors to enjoy. The museum has a range of guided tours which take visitors around the museum, the colliery site and the workers’ cottages. The museum also hosts a variety of educational activities, including talks and workshops, for both adults and children.
The museum also has a variety of interactive activities, such as the ‘Coal Face’ experience which gives visitors the chance to experience what it is like to be a miner, and the ‘Blast Experience’ which allows visitors to experience the sound and power of an underground coal mine blast.
The museum also has a number of permanent exhibitions, such as the ‘Mining Through Time’ exhibition which looks at the history of coal mining in Scotland, and the ‘Stories of the Miners’ exhibition which tells the stories of the miners who worked in the mines.
Visitor Information
The National Mining Museum Scotland is open from 10am to 4pm, Tuesday to Sunday. Admission to the museum is free, but there is a charge for some of the activities and events. The museum is easily accessible by car, and there is plenty of free parking available on site.
Conclusion
The National Mining Museum Scotland is a unique museum dedicated to preserving the mining heritage of Scotland. The museum offers a variety of activities, exhibitions and events that provide visitors with an insight into the lives of miners in Scotland during the 19th and 20th centuries. The museum is open Tuesday to Sunday and admission is free, making it an ideal day out for all the family.