MGS calls for long-term investment in 2027-28 Budget to keep the door to culture open

Lucy Casot, CEO of Museums Galleries Scotland provided evidence in Parliament today as part of the Scottish Government’s pre-budget scrutiny for 2027-28. Giving evidence to the Scottish Parliament’s Europe, External Affairs and Culture Committee, Lucy called for continued investment in the sector, including a multi-year approach to funding for the pioneering Museum Futures programme which after just one year is already proving that investing in organisational resilience enables museums to deliver greater long-term value for the people and places they serve.

Scotland’s museums and galleries are delivering significant public, social and economic value, but increasing pressure on funding and infrastructure is making it harder for them to plan for the future. 

New MGS research shows that while museums are attracting millions of visitors and expanding the range of services they provide, pressure is growing behind the scenes, with 40% of museums reporting having just three months’ reserves or less, more than half not being able to keep up with routine maintenance, and 17% of organisations responding to the MGS sector survey believing a museum they operate is at risk of closure within the next 12 months.

Lucy Casot said: 

“Museums are delivering for Scotland. They are welcoming visitors, supporting schools, strengthening communities and contributing to our economy. But success should not be mistaken for security. 

“The evidence we are seeing is clear: the challenge is not a lack of demand for museums. It is the growing gap between what museums are being asked to deliver and the resources available to do it. 

“Museum Futures is showing us what we need to do to support the sector. Stable, multi-year funding would give museums the confidence to plan, retain skilled staff, invest in their buildings and collections, and continue developing the services their communities value. 

“Museums are the doorway to culture for millions of people across Scotland. They are places where people learn, connect, participate and experience the stories of their communities and country. Now politicians have to make sure that door remains open.“