FAQs
I wish to solicit letters supporting recognition of the collection as nationally significant. Who do I ask?
Letters of support should come from people who are already familiar with the collection. These might include academics, researchers, users of the collection, staff of other museums etc.
What should a letter of support contain?
Your ‘supporter’ should clearly state that your collection is nationally important and describe succinctly why.
To whom should letters of support be addressed?
Letters of support should be addressed to you as the applicant and not to the Scheme Manager or Museums Galleries Scotland.
There are no available assessments of the importance of the collection. Can I commission them?
Yes, but do not submit an application to the Recognition Scheme until you have the information you need. If you have already submitted a Note of Interest it is unlikely that you will be able to commission new work in time to meet deadlines for submission of the full application.
If you need to commission collection assessments you may well be charged a fee by your assessor. Consider applying to Museums Galleries Scotland’s Small Grants Scheme for financial support.
When should I apply to the scheme?
Submit a Note of Interest when you have internally assessed the scope of the application and the evidence available. Closing dates for the Rounds of the scheme are published in the scheme guidance and on Museums Galleries Scotland’s web pages.
Is there an advantage in applying sooner rather than later?
No. The criteria for recognition are the same for every round. Do not apply until you are confident that you have the evidence that you need to substantiate your case.
Should I wait until after the applicant workshops before collecting the evidence?
Definitely not. Gathering and collating the evidence is a labour-intensive exercise. If you delay starting to assemble it you will run out of time before the closing date.
The National Audit identified several items of international importance within the collections. Does that make the collections nationally important?
Not necessarily. The collection, not individual objects, will be assessed (see Applicant Guidance Sections 6.3 and 6.7).
The collection is housed in a Grade ‘A’ –listed building. Does that make it nationally significant?
No. The building may add an important context to the collection and this should be demonstrated in your application but it is the collection that will be assessed - not the building.