National Mining Museum Scotland
National Mining Museum Scotland
The National Mining Museum Scotland is the national coal mining museum for Scotland and cares for the Lady Victoria Colliery and the national coal mining collections. The collections at the museum comprise over 60,000 items, including objects, archive material, photographs and books.
The Museum’s object collection includes tools, safety equipment, lamps, models, clothing, trophies, geological specimens, banners and art. The BIG Stuff Tour allows visitors to see the Museum’s extensive collection of large mining objects, such as coal cutters, cages, and locomotives. The Museum has over 18,000 photographs in its archive, including underground scenes, surface images, aerial views of collieries, miners at work and play, gala days and village scenes. Nearly all of these photographs can be viewed on a touchscreen computer at the Museum.
The reference library at the National Mining Museum houses books, journals, trade catalogues and periodicals covering the history of the coal mining industry. The Museum’s archives also hold many original documents relating to Scottish Collieries, including those of the Lothian Coal Company.
Learning
Access for learning is important to us at the National Mining Museum Scotland. Coal, coal mining and the coal cultural heritage of Scotland are punchy, relevant and fascinating topics. Coal mining is a significant part of Scotland’s history and the story of coal is an exciting and inspiring tale vividly brought to life at the museum. Learners and teachers of all ages and stages, from Scotland and beyond, call us for help and ideas. The curatorial team, front of house staff, library volunteers, miner guides and Education Support Officer are happy to help and a visit to the National Mining Museum Scotland itself, offers a unique, first-hand learning experience in the context of a real colliery.
Schools
Coal is a great topic for schools…it always has been. It works effectively in both a primary and secondary setting and is well placed for the cross-curricular methodology of the new Curriculum for Excellence. The topic can pull together history, science and energy studies. It can kick start inspiration for art, creative writing and drama. Geography, politics, the built environment and more can be linked and made relevant by using the museum as a resource.