Following the election, Senior Advocacy and Public Affairs Manager, David McDonald calls on the new Parliament and Government Ministers to recognise the vital role museums play in delivering public value.

Learn how to monitor museum environments by tracking key factors such as temperature, humidity, light, pests, and pollution, helping you protect collections, manage risks, and make more sustainable decisions about building performance and energy use.

Find out how to make a claim through the MGS Online system

Our grants programme distributes funding to museums and galleries through the Museum Development Fund, Small Grants Fund, and occasional special funding.

Scotland’s Recognition Scheme celebrates and promotes Nationally Significant Collections, beyond those held in our national museums and galleries. 

On International Museum Day Scotland’s rich heritage is being celebrated as five diverse museum collections are recognised as nationally significant. This announcement brings the total number of Recognised Collections of national significance in Scotland to 56. 

Part of the Museum Futures Programme, the Unlocking Potential Fund can help prepare the way for strategic development of your museum by addressing issues that are currently preventing you from moving forward. Applications will be assessed on a continual basis, with decisions provided within 8 weeks of submission. The fund will close to applications on 20th January 2027 at 5pm.

Part of the Museum Futures Programme, the Innovation Fund can support museums to develop, trial and implement activity that will improve the museum’s financial position. Applications will be assessed on a continual basis, with decisions provided within 8 weeks of submission. Applications will be assessed on a continual basis, with decisions provided within 8 weeks of submission. The fund will close to applications on 20th January 2027 at 5pm.

We are joined by Alice Samtoy, Corporate Partnerships lead for National Museums Scotland, for a practical introduction to corporate sponsorship and how it can work for your organisation.

Learn how to plan and carry out condition checks on museum collections, including who should be involved and how to record and use the results.

Learn how to identify, assess, and safely manage hazardous materials found in museum collections and buildings.

This recorded presentation highlights how museums can create compelling social media content that reaches the right audiences and supports their organisational objectives.