Youngsters mine their heritage

A new team of apprentices is preparing to start work at the former Lady Victoria Colliery, guiding young visitors to the tourist attraction.

Left to right - Cole Downie, Cerys Dunant, Hayley Eddleston, David McNair, Mya Barrett, Kiera Hobson, Aimee Swan

The new apprentice guides programme has been developed by the National Mining Museum Scotland in conjunction with primary six and seven pupils from Gore Glen Primary School, Gorebridge.

The programme, which aims to aims to increase engagement by the community with their mining heritage, will see the seven apprentice guides deliver tours and safety lamp demonstrations to school groups from across the county and further afield.

Julie Unrau, class teacher at Gore Glen Primary School, said: “This is a fantastic opportunity for the children of Gore Glen Primary School to work with our local community and schools.

“The staff and children are looking forward to this new opportunity and how it develops and progresses over the years.”

One of the apprentice guides, Mya Barrett, said: “I’m really excited that we’ve had the opportunity to do this as my grandad was a miner at the Lady Victoria Colliery.”

National Mining Musuem Scotland manager Victoria Robb, said: “Our apprentice guides are now seen as adopted members of staff here at the museum and everyone is incredibly excited.

“From February to May schools from across Midlothian, and indeed Scotland, will have the opportunity to book a tour with the talented apprentice guides.

“Already we have seen their confidence, public speaking and engagement with Scotland’s mining heritage expand and we hope they will pass this enthusiasm and knowledge on to those who hear their great tour.”