National Museum of Costume at Shambellie House, New Abbey, Dumfries and Galloway, is set to close due to lack of public funding and low visitor numbers.

National Museums Scotland said the museum has witnessed a very low number of visitors and a lack of public funding making it no longer sustainable.

The attraction, which first opened in 1982, was shut for the winter and will not open in 2013.

The decision to close the site was taken following meetings discussing a range of options for making savings across all national museums activity.

Bruce Minto, chair of the Trustees of National Museums Scotland, said: "It is with great regret that we have taken the decision to close the National Museum of Costume.

"We are clear that in the current challenging financial climate it is a necessary part of a range of cost savings which ensures the long-term future of our national collections."

Images: National Museums Scotland