Launch of the National Mining Museum Scotland's night time landmark project

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A dramatic new installation at the National Mining Museum Scotland has transformed the night skies of Midlothian and created a stunning nocturnal attraction on one of Scotland’s major trunk roads.

Called the “Night Time National Landmark,” it uses highly innovative lighting techniques to create the illusion that the pit wheel at the 19th century Lady Victoria Colliery in Newtongrange is once again turning and that the famous gantry that crosses the A7 to the pithead is thronged with miners – 30 years after the pit closed.

The project was officially launched at the Museum by the Scottish Government’s Cabinet Secretary for Culture and External Affairs Fiona Hyslop who turned on the illuminations.
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The project is funded through Museums Galleries Scotland’s Main Grant Scheme, and aims to increase awareness of the Museum and its collection by illuminating A-listed colliery structures which are visible from all over Midlothian. The project is strengthened further by the redesign of the livery of the Lothian buses No. 3 service, now known as “The Lady Victoria” fleet of 21 buses, which uses the mine’s Headgear as the core iconography.

The unique lighting system was devised by a local lighting company, Black Light Ltd, to simulate the movement of the pithead wheels in motion and create the impression of throngs of miners accessing the site via the main gantry which crosses the busy A7.

For further information please contact Gillian Rankin, Marketing and Events Officer at National Mining Museum Scotland on 0131 663 7519 or email marketing@nationalminingmuseum.com

Published
17th Oct 2011

Region
Edinburgh and Lothians

Publisher
MGS