Ten unique collections from museums and galleries across Scotland were celebrated today (25 June 2007)  as they were deemed significant to the nation.

The new Recognition Scheme celebrates, promotes and invests in nationally significant collections held outside the nationally run museums and galleries around the country. Funded by the Scottish Executive and managed by the Scottish Museums Council, the Recognition Scheme will help to make sure that these important collections are identified, cared for, protected and promoted to a wider audience.

Minister for Culture Linda Fabiani announced the first collections from the new Recognition Scheme at the Hunterian Museum and Art Gallery in Glasgow.

Ms Fabiani said:

"This is a landmark occasion for Scotland's museums and galleries and the wonderful collections they display. These ten collections are not only significant to the communities in which they are located but to Scotland as a whole.

"I am glad to support this Recognition Scheme and look forward to seeing increased public access to these collections of national significance."

The ten recognised collections are located across Scotland, and are held by local authorities, universities and independent trusts from Orkney to Dumfries and from Irvine to Anstruther. They cover a range of themes on what makes Scotland great, from medicine and art & science to industrial heritage and our literary heroes.

Douglas Connell, Chair of the Recognition Committee, which oversees the Recognition of collections of national significance, said:

"To achieve Recognition status, the applicants had to demonstrate the uniqueness, authenticity, comprehensiveness, and national value of their collection. This first round announcement highlights the wonderful diversity of Scotland's collections and we are confident the scheme is recognising the best the country has to offer."

Joanne Orr, CEO of the Scottish Museums Council said:

"Scotland's museums and galleries house collections that celebrate our valued and distinguished identity and provide a fascinating, educational experience for all those who visit."

"The Recognition Scheme will contribute greatly to raising standards in collections care, management and public service delivery to the benefit of future museum audiences at home and from abroad."

Neil Firth, Director of the Pier Arts Centre, added:

"We are delighted to have achieved this recognition for the entire collection that the gallery holds - from the core works that were given to Orkney by Margaret Gardiner right up to the recent acquisitions which have added a 21st century edge to the collection.

As we move towards re-launching the museum after a period of expansion I hope that this new status will help to underscore the significant impact and profile our collection, and the contemporary activity that complements our museums practice, offers to Orkney both culturally and economically.

This recognition comes at a difficult time for museums in Orkney. Beyond the council run museums services there are many smaller independent museums, like the Pier Arts Centre, that rely on relatively small local authority grants but which can repay that investment with surprising dividends."

The recognised collections are:

• The Entire Collection cared for by Hunterian Museum and Art Gallery, Glasgow
• The Entire Collection cared for by Scottish Fisheries Museum, Anstruther
• The Entire Collection cared for by Museum of Scottish Lighthouses, Fraserburgh
• The Entire Collection cared for by Pier Arts Centre, Stromness
• The Entire Collection cared for by Surgeon's Hall Museum, Edinburgh
• The Collection of Historic Musical Instruments cared for by University of Edinburgh
• The Archaeology Collection cared for by Dumfries and Galloway Museum Service
• The Entire Collection cared for by Scottish Maritime Museum, Irvine
• The Entire Collection cared for by Burns Monument Trust, Alloway
• The Core Collection cared for by Scottish Railway Preservation Society, Bo'ness

Holders of the recognised collections will receive specially designed plaques and certificates to display at their venue and they will have the opportunity to bid for a share of  £1 million earmarked for the Recognition Scheme. This funding will go to support the sector and fund aspirations to undertake projects such as increasing accessibility to their collections and improving how they are cared for.

Background:

Through the Recognition Scheme, the Executive will invest an additional £1 million over the next two years, in
Scotland's non-national museums and galleries.

Dates have been set for two subsequent rounds in the Recognition Scheme. Round 2 is now open and Round 3 >will open in December.

The Scottish Museums Council (SMC) is the main channel for Scottish Executive support to, and the member organisation for, over 340 museums and galleries in Scotland. SMC provides strategic leadership for the sector, supporting its development to unlock the potential of museums and galleries in Scotland.