The museum trustees are proposing not to open in 2007

The trustees have announced that the facility will not re-open for the 2007 season because of a continuing lack of funds and increased overheads.

Galloway and Upper Nithsdale Tory MSP Alex Fergusson said he hoped a new "Museums of Significance" scheme might help avoid the closure proposal.

The museum, which opened in 1974, attracts about 15,000 visitors a year.

Mr Fergusson said he believed the site could still open next year but only if the new source of funding could be "fast-tracked".

Wanlockhead is not just a local treasure, Wanlockhead is a national treasure Alex Fergusson MSP

"I can completely understand the frustration and sadness that the trustees must feel in making this announcement," he said.

"But I passionately believe that the closure of this unique part of our mining heritage simply cannot be allowed to quietly close its doors.

"Wanlockhead is not just a local treasure, Wanlockhead is a national treasure."

He said that the new museum funding scheme had been mentioned in a recent meeting with Patricia Ferguson, the minister for tourism, culture and sport.

Mr Fergusson added that he had been assured that bidding for funding could take place immediately after the official announcement of the plan.

"What the trustees seek is some assurance that they will receive financial support in order to open in 2007," said Mr Fergusson.

Uncertain future

The chairman of the trustees Bob Reekie said if the museum did close there would be an uncertain future for its artefacts.

He said that national libraries or museums would have to be approached to see if they could accommodate such items.

"If that happened they would probably just go into storage and never be seen again," he said.

"You can't just shut, you have to look at that side of it as well - what would we do with all the materials?