Invitation to Tender for ICH Scotland: Evaluation of Protection through Connection project

MGS is the National Development Body for the Scottish museums sector, supporting over 400 museums and galleries through strategic investment, advice, advocacy, skills development and other means. Core funding is received from the Scottish Government. As well as receiving funding from the Scottish Government and other sources, MGS also operates as a grant-giving body, distributing funds directly to the museums and galleries sector.

MGS is an independent registered charity governed by a Board of Trustees (charity number SC015593) and is also a private company limited by guarantee registered under company number SC074264. Although core funding is received from the Scottish Government, MGS is entirely independent.

Working with MGS
MGS is a values-driven organisation. You can read more about how MGS works here.

MGS is looking to appoint a contractor for the evaluation of its Protection through Connection project. Funded by the National Lottery Heritage Fund (NLHF), the Project is a pioneering effort to safeguard Scotland’s intangible cultural heritage (ICH) through community partnerships with museums and other cultural community organisations, such as archives, libraries, and heritage centres.

Following the UK’s ratification of the 2003 UNESCO Convention on the Safeguarding of ICH, this Project is designed to foster community identity, preserve at-risk ICH practices, and develop a supportive infrastructure for ICH in Scotland. The independent evaluation of this Project will assess its effectiveness in building these partnerships, supporting ICH communities, and creating a sustainable model for the future safeguarding of ICH in Scotland.

Full details of the opportunity are available in the Invitation to Tender document below.

Although this tender opportunity is published on Public Contracts Scotland (PCS) for registered users to view, it is not necessary to register with or use PCS in order to tender your proposal as these should be sent by email directly to MGS. If you are appointed as a successful contractor but are not currently registered on PCS, you will be required to register free of charge in order for the appointment to be confirmed. Guidance is available on the PCS website at Information & Support – Public Contracts Scotland.

Tenders should be submitted electronically to Procurement@museumsgalleriesscotland.org.uk.

The deadline for submissions is Monday 19th May 2025 at 12 noon.

Please ensure that the certificates at Appendix B are completed and submitted along with the tender proposal. The main body of the tender document should be no more than 10 pages (10 pages total, not 10 double-sided pages) excluding appendices.