Scotland’s national mining museum has bucked the industry downturn by recording a 10 per cent rise in visitor numbers during the second half of 2008.

In August, The Scottish Mining Museum saw footfall increase by a quarter compared with the previous August, while comparable attractions such as Edinburgh Castle, Rosslyn Chapel and the Museum of Flight saw attendance fall in the same month by 14 per cent, 16 per cent and 21 per cent respectively.

Former First Minister Henry McLeish, the museum’s chairman, said: “We couldn’t wish for a better set of numbers to take with us into our current round of discussions with both the Holyrood government and various local authorities to secure the museum’s funding for the period ahead.

“It proves that our recent success in winning the title of Scotland’s Most Treasured Place, which seemed to surprise some people, was no flash in the pan.

“Scots are rightly fascinated by the unique insights that the museum provides into an industry and a culture that are woven deep into the fabric of the Scottish identity.”

The museum’s director, Fergus Waters, added: “We have every expectation of doing even better in 2009, despite the economic slowdown, and we’re positively bursting with ideas for building on the achievements of the past year.

“In particular, we’re confident of sharing in the success of the Homecoming initiative, with a terrific programme of events for people who want to learn more about their family backgrounds in Scotland’s mining communities.”

The Scottish Mining Museum, based at the former Lady Victoria Colliery, is a preserved 19th century pit complex and houses a collection of mining equipment and materials.