NEWSROOM

Newly approved concept designs have been unveiled today to transform a 131-year-old former coal-fired ‘super-pit’ into a renewable energy hub and immersive ‘arrested decay’ heritage experience. The project also includes plans to safeguard specialist mechanical skills at risk of disappearing.

The unveiling marks a major step forward for National Mining Museum Scotland, with plans to transform underused areas around the Lady Victoria Colliery into renewable energy sources for the local community. 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, opening up areas long closed to the public. This includes plans to involve engineering students in restoring the site’s historic winding engine to working order.

As part of the Museum’s Be Part of Our Future fundraising drive, funding is now being sought from investors to help make these plans a reality. The museum needs £450k and has already secured £140k funding through donations from the public, Museums Galleries Scotland, CARES, Architectural Heritage Fund and National Lottery Heritage Fund. The museum is now seeking lead supporters in 2026 to unlock the next phase.

Unveiling the first concept designs for the first time, Henry McLeish, Chair of National Mining Museum Scotland said: “As a legacy of an industry that powered the Industrial Revolution and shaped the Scotland we know today, the National Mining Museum Scotland has long been a beacon of innovation and engineering excellence. It feels only right that we continue that legacy in everything we do. 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.

“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. 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.”

Driving innovation in renewable energy and heritage conservation

The museum has been exploring the best use of the site with a range of experts, including Max Fordham (a partnership of over 250 engineers, designers and consultants, working with the built environment, to deliver a sustainable future and a thriving planet). Together they have identified that parts of the site would be ideal for renewable energy installations, such as solar panels, and safe battery storage. While the former boiler house presents opportunities for an immersive ‘arrested decay’ visitor experience.

Speaking about their involvement Kai Salman-Lord partner at Max Fordham said: “It’s been incredibly exciting to work with National Mining Museum Scotland to explore the feasibility of the site in linking industrial heritage preservation with practical energy innovations that support community well-being, local skills development, and resilience in a rapidly changing energy landscape. There are so many areas of the Lady Victoria Pit that offer opportunities to achieve this, and it would be wonderful to see the Museum secure the funding needed to make it a reality.

“And just as it was at the heart of coal mining all those years ago, good engineering remains central to delivering this in a way that is both sustainable and respectful of the historic environment.”

Safeguarding at risk engineering skills

With sufficient investment, the Museum aims to restore the colliery’s 1894 winding engine, safeguarding a remarkable piece of industrial heritage while creating a rare opportunity for future engineers to learn mechanical skills that are fast disappearing. Once the powerhouse of the site until its closure in the 1980s, the Winding Engine remained a core visitor attraction before falling out of operation six years ago.

Explaining why its revival is so important, conservation engineer Jim Mitchell of JPS Restoration, who is currently working on the restoration of the RRS Discovery in Dundee, said: “We are entering a critical period in large object conservation, where traditional skills are rapidly disappearing. The time to address this unique piece of engineering history is now, through the restoration of the National Mining Museum Scotland’s winding engine at Lady Victoria Colliery.

“We must use the opportunity to train others. In many ways this is almost as important as saving the engine itself. I hope the Museum will secure the funding needed to create this immersive training opportunity for a new generation of technicians who will ensure our industrial heritage is preserved intelligently and skilfully.”

Showcasing arrested decay

Supported by the Architectural Heritage Fund (AHF) the redevelopment will see the transformation of the Boiler House, an area never-before-seen by most visitors, into a new immersive ‘arrested decay’ visitor experience.

Gordon Barr, Development Manager (Scotland) at AHF said: “The Architectural Heritage Fund 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.

“The scheme shows an exciting balance being struck between different spaces in the museum, allowing experiencing some of the site in its current state of arrested decay, telling the continuing story of its hard-working life, as well as – crucially – creating new usable and environmentally sustainable spaces for visitors and the community to use into the future as well.”

Being part of the future

National Mining Museum Scotland’s Be Part of Our Future appeal aims to preserve the memories of Scotland’s mining heritage. It is hoped it will support the museum in caring for and interpreting the nationally significant collections it houses, maintaining and repairing aspects of the A-listed colliery buildings and grounds; developing green energy and community initiatives; and enhancing the venue’s capacity to host community and cultural events across the site.

For more information about the Museum’s ambitions for transformation, and how you can help shape its future, visit nationalminingmuseum.com/ourfuture.

Discover more of National Mining Museum Scotland’s stories on YouTube @nationalminingmuseumscotland, or Facebook and Instagram @NatMiningMuseum, or visit nationalminingmuseum.com
Photography: Rob McDougall

Young Innovators Showcase Robotics Talent in Midlothian at
National Mining Museum Scotland

The VEX GO Expo Scotland returned for its second year today at National Mining Museum Scotland in Newtongrange, bringing together nine primary schools from across Midlothian to showcase their robotic creations and problem-solving skills.

Building on the success of its inaugural year, the Expo celebrated months of learning, collaboration and innovation, with pupils designing, building and programming robots as part of a project linking Midlothian’s rich industrial heritage with the future of STEM careers.

This year’s programme is sponsored by Jera IT, highlighting growing industry support for early STEM education and the development of future talent pipelines.

The competition saw Newtongrange Primary School take first place, with Paradykes Primary securing second and Moorfoot Primary finishing third.

Alongside the main competition prizes, new awards were introduced for 2026 to recognise essential transferable skills. The Amaze Award, celebrating teamwork, communication, coding and collaboration, was awarded to Newtongrange Primary School (Pink Team). The Build Award, recognising creativity, engineering, design and innovation, was presented to Paradykes Primary School (Pink Team). These additions reflect a broader focus on the skills young people need for future careers.

The event was supported by expert judges including Ally Hollins-Kirk, from sponsor Jera IT (guest judge), specialists from the National Robotarium, and Malcolm Beattie, volunteer at National Mining Museum Scotland and Geo-Physics Energy Specialist, who praised the creativity, teamwork and technical ability demonstrated by participants.

In addition to the competition, the British Geological Survey delivered hands-on activities, helping pupils explore real-world applications of robotics in geology, energy and ocean exploration.

Dr Eleanor Dunn, Public Engagement & Events Coordinator from British Geological Survey said:
“We were excited to join this year’s VEX GO Expo and see the amazing contributions from students tackling ocean-themed robotic challenges. During the event, we spoke with pupils about some of BGS’s research, including the development of the Glasgow Geoenergy Observatory, the importance of wind energy, the role of Scottish aquifers in groundwater availability, and the wide range of opportunities that careers in STEM can offer.”

The initiative is a partnership between National Mining Museum Scotland and the National Robotarium, the UK’s centre for robotics and AI based at Heriot-Watt University.

Nine primary schools took part in the programme, with pupils working collaboratively to tackle challenges and present their solutions. The Expo aims to inspire young people to engage with STEM subjects, boosting attainment, and consider future careers in these fields, while also supporting greater equality and inclusion in STEM education.

Hannah Clark, Principal Teacher at Rosewell Primary School, said:
“We are proud to be part of this year’s VEX GO Expo. It is a real celebration of creativity, teamwork and problem-solving through robotics. Events like this give children the opportunity to develop confidence, resilience and valuable STEM skills in an exciting, hands-on way. It has been inspiring to see so many young learners working collaboratively and thinking critically throughout the process.”

Victoria Brown, Education Manager at National Mining Museum Scotland, said:
“We are incredibly proud to have hosted the VEX GO Expo for a second year, building on the success of its debut and strengthening the connection between Scotland’s industrial heritage and modern technological innovation. It’s been fantastic to see the continued enthusiasm and creativity from all the students, and we’re excited to keep growing the event in the years ahead, with even more schools from Midlothian taking part.”

Blair Wilson, Industry and School Engagement Lead at the National Robotarium, said:
“The continued success of the VEX GO Expo in its second year highlights the strength of Scotland’s growing robotics talent pipeline. Seeing returning schools alongside new participants tackling increasingly complex challenges with such enthusiasm shows just how impactful early STEM engagement can be for our future workforce.

“The sustained demand from schools reflects both the appetite for this kind of hands-on learning and the importance of ongoing support. By continuing our partnership with National Mining Museum Scotland, we’re strengthening the bridge between Scotland’s industrial heritage and the technology careers of tomorrow, while equipping teachers with the confidence and tools to deliver meaningful robotics education in the classroom.”

The VEX GO Expo continues to demonstrate how hands-on learning can inspire the next generation, combining creativity, collaboration and technical skills to prepare young people for the challenges and opportunities of the future.

ENDS