A project to restore and protect some of Scotland's most fragile industrial heritage sites has won the stamp of approval from Scotland's culture minister.

Fiona Hyslop MSP visited the Scottish Mining Museum at Newtongrange to meet the newly appointed contractor, John Dennis and Company, which will carry out the £1.3m project.

The funding was awarded to the museum by the Scottish Government to carry out urgent structural repairs to its A-listed structures, and extend public access to the unique industrial heritage site. The work is expected to be completed by the end of 2010.

Henry McLeish, Chair of the Scottish Mining Museum Trust, commented: "The Scottish Mining Museum is an outstanding icon and restoration projects such as this are essential to ensure that we can pass on Scotland's rich mining history to future generations."

Culture Minister Fiona Hyslop added: "The Scottish Mining Museum tells an interesting and engaging story of this important part of our heritage. I am pleased to see good progress on the project that will open up new areas to visitors and ensure the story of Scottish mining continues to be told."