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.


Running a volunteer-led museum
Volunteers at Cupar Museum and Heritage Centre have developed a dynamic and proactive approach to museum management, engaging with community groups and expanding their collections to shed new light on the history of their hometown.

MGS anti-racism case study: embedding anti-racism into the heart of how we communicate
Through our commitment to Anti-Racism, Museums Galleries Scotland has adapted it's communication processes to disrupt biases in the way we talk and connect with people. This case study looks at the changes undertaken by the Marketing and Communications Team

MGS anti-racism case study: how we recruit and support our team
The way we approach human resources at Museums Galleries Scotland is central to our organisational commitment to anti-racism

MGS anti-racism case study: adapting our collections work
Since early 2020 we have been attempting to proactively implement anti-racist approaches in the support we offer around collections work

MGS anti-racism case study: adjusting our processes
Laura McDonald, Contracts and Procurement Manager, at Museums Galleries Scotland writes about the changes we've made to internal processes to embed anti-racism in our work.

Museum rebrand and development of website
In this case study Samantha Walker, Museum Manager and Curator at St Andrews Heritage Museum & Garden talks about better reflecting the public- facing activities of the museum through a rebranding project and creation of a dedicated museum website funded through Museums Galleries Scotland.

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.

Preserving Pasts, Imagining Futures: National Galleries of Scotland & National Library of Scotland
Ahead of the UN Climate Summit COP26, National Galleries of Scotland (NGS) and the National Library of Scotland (NLS) partnered for an engagement project to connect Scottish audiences with the event being held in Glasgow in November 2021.

Environmental sustainability: Dundee Museum of Transport
Dundee Museum of Transport, by adopting a sustainable agenda, hopes to become Europe’s first fully carbon neutral transport museum. With the exhibitions reflecting sustainable transport, and a net zero target for the operations of the museum and the building itself, they strive to find ways to implement environmentally responsible practice in everything they do.

Environmental sustainability: Robert Burns Birthplace Museum
This case study is about:
By adopting a sustainable agenda, it has been possible for the Robert Burns Birthplace Museum to create a state-of-the-art, award-winning museum which successfully balances conservation needs alongside environmental needs, ultimately creating a better space for its collections, and its visitors

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.

Pilot Apprenticeship Scheme: The Scottish Crannog Centre
The key to The Scottish Crannog Centre is the belief that only by having a diverse Crannog Community can they best engage with diverse audiences. Director, Mike Benson, reflects on their pilot for a long-term apprenticeship programme, as part of their commitment to building an environment for success.