Case Studies
Learn from and be inspired by some of the amazing work being undertaken by museums and galleries across Scotland, through our case studies.
Hidden treasures: developing skills and confidence in collections
Collections are at the heart of museum work. Find out how investing in the documentation and display of Napoleonic coins enabled the team at Brodick Castle to gain new expertise and strengthen their connections with other heritage organisations.
Return of the Galliwasp
Staff at The Hunterian share their experience of returning a specimen of the extinct Jamaican giant galliwasp back home to Jamaica. They highlight how the repatriation of the specimen was achieved through collaboration with curators and academics in Jamaica, and explain the challenges and outcomes of the process.
Using outdoor spaces to diversify audiences and benefit nature
This case study explores the value of creating an outdoor space for engaging visitors and the local community, as well as attracting new audiences while also benefiting the local biodiversity.
Creating an equitable museum workplace
Rachel Backshall, Assistant Director at The Scottish Crannog Centre talks about the museum's approach to Fair Work and how they have created an equitable workplace where everyone can participate, express themselves, contribute, and feel valued.
Creating new ways to develop awareness of museums
Staff at the University of Stirling Art Collection worked with St Mungo's Primary School in Alloa to create new ways to display knowledge and develop museum awareness with schoolchildren.
Conservation for Wellbeing
In this video case study we hear from Collections Care Officer, Gwen Thomas and Outreach and Access Manager, Ria Sloan who share the successes and learnings from Museums & Galleries Edinburgh Conservation for Wellbeing pilot project.
Converting gallery lighting to LED
In this case study The Pier Arts Centre explains the process for converting their gallery lighting from halogen lamps/bulbs to LED.
The THRIVE project: supporting wellbeing through heritage volunteering
Heritage Engagement Manager Dr Sandra Mackenzie highlights how the THRIVE project blends volunteering, employability, and creative activities to deliver valuable wellbeing support to people living with mental health challenges.
People power: the impact of health and wellbeing engagement
Museum events and activities can have a positive impact on the health and wellbeing of communities. Peter Nurick, Communities Producer at V&A Dundee, shares how large-scale events have amplified their vibrant public engagement programmes.
Creating a culture of fundraising
The financial resilience of Glencoe Folk Museum has grown thanks to new fundraising methods, training, and tools. Fundraising Consultant Katie Mullen shares the strategies behind this success.
Museum retail at ‘Shop at the Top’
Aberdeen Art Gallery created the new retail experience, Shop at the Top, to support the local creative industry. However experimenting with a new retail experience has had wide reaching benefits.
Snorkel Safaris
Stromness Museum have been running Snorkel safaris out of their local harbour in Orkney with the aim of encouraging more visitors to discover the fantastic natural history on the museum's doorstep. Developing local partnerships have been crucial in helping to embed this project into the local area, as well as providing a greater understanding of the museum’s collections to a much wider audience.