The funding will help the museum to open this year

The one-off payment will enable the site to operate over the next 18 months until its application for Museums of Significance funding is decided.

Galloway and Upper Nithsdale Tory MSP Alex Fergusson has welcomed the Scottish Executive support of �30,000.

Trustees announced last year that the site would not reopen for 2007 due to lack of funds and increasing costs.

Mr Fergusson said the decision brought to an end lengthy efforts to secure a future for the museum.

I am only too delighted that all those who help to make the museum the undoubted success that it is can look forward to a brighter future Alex Fergusson MSP

"This is the news towards which we have been working hard for some time," he said.

There had been fears the visitor attraction would close for good before an application for funding was processed.

"The museum can now plan for the future with some confidence," said Mr Fergusson.

"I am only too delighted that all those who help to make the museum the undoubted success that it is can look forward to a brighter future.

"It has been a tough negotiation but I am only too pleased to have been part of the process that has led to this highly satisfactory outcome."

'Cultural heritage'

Culture Minister Patricia Ferguson said she recognised the key role the facility played.

"The village of Wanlockhead owes its very existence to the lead mining industry, and the museum is an important part of our cultural heritage," she said.

"It is therefore vital that we preserve and develop the role it plays.