Angus Folk Museum will be closed for the current visitor season because of structural and humidity issues.
Problems with the stability of the roof structure and excessively high humidity levels have forced the closure of the attraction at Glamis until further notice, the National Trust for Scotland has confirmed.
Exhibits, which recreate more than 200 years of rural life in Angus, will be moved to House of Dun for safekeeping and to protect them from possible damage.
That switch prompted local concerns, not just for the future of the museum, but also about where its many treasured exhibits would be permanently located.
However, the trust said it consulted with people linked to the museum and they supported the action being taken.
It is the latest in a series of challenges for the museum, which is sited within six 18th Century-cottages.
It re-opened in April 2014 having closed for safety reasons in May the previous year. Checks on the Kirkwynd building in 2013 had found loosened roof tiles.
Repairs proved more difficult than was first thought, not least because planning permission was required for work on the listed buildings. Latest surveys left the NTS with no alternative but to keep the museum closed this season.
An NTS spokesman said there were additional problems with the “fabric of the building” and, while none posed a serious risk to the public, “the ingress of excessive moisture in particular, if left unchecked, would cause deterioration of artefacts and displays”.
The trust will take time to assess the situation and consider a range of options open to them. John McKenna, property manager for the museum, as well as the House of Dun and JM Barrie’s Birthplace, said he was positive they could find a way to ensure the important collection was accessible to the public again.
He said: “I can understand that our decision will disappoint many people but we are committed to finding a long-term solution.
“I also want to reassure the people of Angus that the trust remains absolutely committed to the heritage of the area. We have just completed major conservation works at JM Barrie’s Birthplace in Kirriemuir and have commenced with major investment in the House of Dun near Montrose.”