The Scottish Government has been urged to examine possible solutions to keep a Moray attraction open.
The Falconer Museum in Forres closed its doors for the winter season yesterday but it is not known whether they will ever reopen open again.
Moray Council delayed making a decision about its future this week to allow more investigations to be done about establishing a trust to take over its running.
Yesterday Highlands and Islands MSP Jamie Halcro Johnston urged the Scottish Government to intervene in assisting to find a way to keep the museum open.
However, Culture Secretary Fiona Hyslop instead urged the authority to liaise with Museums Galleries to find a solution.
She said: “I share the concerns of the people of Forres and I understand how important the museum is to them.
“Let us try to find a solution that helps the people of Forres and ensures that the heritage of that vital part of our country is celebrated.
“Museums Galleries Scotland stands ready to support Moray Council constructively. I hope that that offer is accepted.”
Moray Council made the decision earlier this year to either close the Falconer Museum or transfer its running to a trust to save about £80,000.
Mr Halcro Johnston said: “The crisis facing the museum is due to Moray Council being unable to continue its financial support of the museum.
“This is the result of years of unfair financial settlements from the SNP Government which prefers to spend taxpayers money on its pet projects.”
