The Scottish Government has stepped in to fund urgent structural repairs to the Scottish Mining Museum in Midlothian.

The £1.32m award will be used to repair derelict buildings and ensure safe public access to the industrial heritage site over the next three years.

The good news follows a recent decision by Midlothian Council to reduce its annual funding to the museum by around £78,860, lowering the value of its support to just £27,000.

The move has forced the Scottish Mining Museum Trust to lobby Historic Scotland and the National Lottery for financial support.

In response to the issue, culture minister Michael Russell has held discussions with members of the trust, Museums Galleries Scotland and Historic Scotland to discuss how best to ensure the museum’s long-term survival.

Russell said: “The museum continues to do some excellent work in preserving and allowing access to this important part of our heritage.

“In light of these challenges, which are faced by the whole museums sector, I am hosting a museums summit in May to talk through the issues and consider the best way forward for this sector.

“The Scottish Mining Museum is a great asset, 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 trust, Henry McLeish, added: “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.”