Our future - National Mining Museum

“Working for the coal mines was so much more than just a job. From the social clubs and our cooperative stores to the landscapes and monuments – the industry made so many of the communities we know today… we must do all we can to preserve it and the living memories we still have access to.” – Marion Brown

Help Secure the Future of Scotland’s Mining Legacy

For generations, mining shaped lives, families, and entire communities. But today, that story is at risk of fading.

At the National Mining Museum Scotland, we care for more than buildings and artefacts – we protect the voices, sacrifices, and pride of the people who powered a nation. But without urgent support, we cannot continue this work at the scale it deserves. The time to act is now.

Project Vision

Through our Transformation Project, we will bring our nation’s coal mining heritage relevant modern Scotland – sharing powerful stories of resilience and camaraderie while creating new opportunities for lifelong learning, green energy, and community wellbeing. With your support, we will:

☑ Create a new hub for collections, storytelling and learning – platforming communities and supporting our award-winning education programme.

☑ Bring our 1894 Winding Engine back to life through an engineering skills development programme, preserving a remarkable piece of Scotland’s industrial heritage.

☑ Transform our Boiler House into an immersive energy experience, opening access to the rear of the site, and creating new spaces for events and learning.

☑ Launch an emergency repairs programme for our A-listed buildings while improving access throughout our 20 acre site.

☑ Revitalise our energy story to power the future – installing a rooftop and ground solar farm, retrofitting buildings and developing green spaces.

☑ Become a vibrant cultural events destination – hosting outdoor events and special occasions within our historic buildings and landscape.

Government funding helps us stay open, but it does not cover the transformation we need to become sustainable.

Become a Lead Supporter

For 2026, we are calling on a small group of visionary lead donors to act now and join us right at the start of our journey. Together, we must raise £450,000 to:

Prepare capital programmes, including funding-ready design and planning
Carry out urgent repairs to protect our historic buildings
Expand our work to preserve stories, collections, and community engagement
Unlock major grant funding by matching your donation – every £1 donated secures up to £9 in additional funding.

Act today to secure the museum’s future

With your support we can transform the museum and share more of Scotland’s mining stories for thousands of visitors.

1. Join our Pithead Circle

Become part of a new community of champions dedicated to safeguarding Scotland’s mining heritage for future generations.

Your support will help restore historic buildings, preserve miners’ stories, and secure the museum’s future. In recognition, your name (or a loved one) will be permanently recorded on our Pithead glass wall or within the fabric of our restored site.

2. Support our Winding Engine Restoration Crowdfunder

Help bring our iconic 1894 winding engine back to life. Your support will fund its restoration and train a new generation in vital engineering skills. We are seeking to raise £8,000 to get the project fully underway.

Every gift makes a big difference:

£25 Records a miner’s story before it is lost forever
£50 Creates a new handling kit for schools or reminiscence groups
£100 Produces exhibition materials showcasing our nation’s stories
£250 Preserves a historic object and protect it for future generations
£2,500+ Provides support for our community gardens and landscaping
£25,000+ helps regenerate our buildings and preserve our large object collection

Donate today to secure the future of the museum.