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.
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.
Wavemakers: creating a new volunteering programme
HMS Unicorn diversified its workforce and strengthened its ties to the local community by offering meaningful museum volunteering opportunities to under-served groups in the Dundee area.
Developing the Museum of the Highlands website
Fifteen museums collaborated with Museums and Heritage Highland to develop a digital learning and engagement hub which showcases 300 objects through a mix of images, information, and activities.
Dressed For Success: a step change for the dress history collection at Museums & Galleries Edinburgh
The Museums & Galleries Edinburgh team talk about the impact of their Dressed For Success project, funded by Museums Galleries Scotland.
Glasgow Women's Library's collections volunteering programme
This case study is about:
Developing the capacity, skills, and knowledge of GWL’s volunteers in response to an increase in visitors to the library and its collections.
You should read it if:
You are interested in empowering a diverse workforce, including volunteers, to increase their skills and potential.
Vagrant boat restoration at the Scottish Maritime Museum
With funding from Museums Galleries Scotland, the Scottish Maritime Museum embarked on an ambitious project to restore Vagrant, a 19th century racing yacht. Boat building manager Martin Hughes explains how this restoration created new training opportunities and succeeded in revitalising a traditional craft.
Working and learning with a Kickstart employee at the Museum of Lead Mining
The Kickstart Scheme (2021- 2022) highlighted the need to support youth employability with high quality work experience. In this case study the Museum of Lead Mining and Kickstart employee, Calum, shares his experience of youth employment.
Documenting collections at Leisure and Culture Dundee
This Case Study is About:
Underpinning the foundations of a collection by bringing together over 150 years’ worth of dispersed information on a digital database.
You should read it if:
You are interested in ensuring the longevity of a collection by raising standards in collections care and management.
Sharing the creativity of Celtic art through the George Bain collection: Groam House Museum
This project developed from a desire to share the George Bain Collection of Celtic art with creative practitioners to broaden the collection’s reach and to create new understandings of George Bain’s work and its contemporary role.
Designing a conservation lab: Culture Perth & Kinross
This project focused on the creation of a suitable conservation environment inside Perth Museum & Art Gallery’s stores. The lab was designed to enable the Conservation Officer to progress work on preparing collections for a major new cultural attraction in Scotland.