Sector resilience on the agenda at annual Strategy Symposium

On March 4th we welcomed Scotland’s museum sector workforce to the Royal College of Physicians of Edinburgh for the annual Strategy Symposium for Scotland’s Museums and Galleries. 

Held following the announcement of continued funding for the Museum Futures programme and in the lead-up to the 2026 Scottish Parliamentary elections, the Symposium had a central focus on the long-term sustainability of the museum sector.  

Culture Secretary Angus Robertson MSP echoed this theme in his video address to delegates at the start of the event, saying: “Museums support learning at every stage of life, contribute to wellbeing and social connection, strengthen community identity, and play an important role in local economies and tourism.” Robertson’s full speech can be found here. 

At a panel discussion chaired by Kathryn Samson, Scotland Correspondent for Channel 4 News, MSPs from four major parties set out their visions for the future of Scotland’s museums and galleries. Following the debate, delegates were encouraged to join our advocacy campaign for the Scottish elections by engaging with their local candidates.

In a session led by Duncan Dornan, Chair of the MGS Board of Trustees, museum workers highlighted the impact of the training, funding, and support provided by the Museum Futures programme. Eight months on from the launch of the programme, the panellists discussed its key role in building the resilience of their organisations. 

The role of museums as inclusive, community-focused spaces was high on the agenda. Talks and workshops explored core themes of Scotland’s Museums and Galleries Strategy including climate action, health & wellbeing, LGBTQ+ inclusion, and repatriation. Workforce development was also a key focus, including support for collections care and Modern Apprenticeships. 

The Symposium provided a vital opportunity for networking and collaboration, bringing the sector together to celebrate our shared progress towards the ambitions of the Strategy. Delegates involved in collections and our Delivering Change anti-oppression programme had opportunities to meet and discuss their work, and we were pleased to welcome several organisations including The National Lottery Heritage Fund, the Museums Association, the Arts Marketing Association, ALISS, and the Scottish Council for Voluntary Organisations as stallholders in our Collaboration Space. 

Closing the Symposium, CEO Lucy Casot highlighted the work of MGS, the progress made across the sector, and the importance of continued support from the Scottish Government. She highlighted that we are at the mid-way point of the seven-year Strategy and invited colleagues to help shape the next action plan by completing this short survey. 

Lucy ended by expressing her enthusiasm for the strong spirit of co-operation between MGS and colleagues across Scotland’s museums and galleries. 

Thank you to everyone who joined us in person and online to make the event such a success.