Sector Stories
Be inspired and learn about the amazing work being undertaken by museums and galleries across Scotland, through stories, case studies, and insights.
The Rematriation of the House of Ni’isjoohl Memorial Pole
The House of Ni’isjoohl Memorial Pole, stolen from the Nisga’a Nation in the 1920s, was rematriated from National Museums Scotland (NMS) in 2023. Noxs Ts’aawit (Dr. Amy Parent) of The Nisga’a Nation and Dr. John Giblin from NMS outline the process of international cooperation to rematriate the Memorial Pole to its ancestral home.
Flock to Sock
In this video case study we hear from Museum Development Officer Julie Cave about Glenesk Folk Museum's Flock to Sock project.
Hidden treasures: developing skills and confidence in collections
Collections are at the heart of museum work. Find out how investing in the documentation and display of Napoleonic coins enabled the team at Brodick Castle to gain new expertise and strengthen their connections with other heritage organisations.
Return of the Galliwasp
Staff at The Hunterian share their experience of returning a specimen of the extinct Jamaican giant galliwasp back home to Jamaica. They highlight how the repatriation of the specimen was achieved through collaboration with curators and academics in Jamaica, and explain the challenges and outcomes of the process.
Focus On: Education in Action
We spoke with four museum sector workers to find out how they're focusing on education by engaging with learners to co-curate displays, develop skills, and explore topics of migration and empire.
Using outdoor spaces to diversify audiences and benefit nature
This case study explores the value of creating an outdoor space for engaging visitors and the local community, as well as attracting new audiences while also benefiting the local biodiversity.
Focus On: Collaboration in action
Business partnerships, forums, and shared engagement activities: three museum sector workers offer insights into how they’re achieving the collaboration aims of Scotland’s museums and galleries strategy.
Focus On: Inclusion in action
This spotlight on museum sector workers showcases how museums and galleries are putting the inclusion aims of Scotland's museums and galleries strategy into practice.
Creating an equitable museum workplace
Rachel Backshall, Assistant Director at The Scottish Crannog Centre talks about the museum's approach to Fair Work and how they have created an equitable workplace where everyone can participate, express themselves, contribute, and feel valued.
Creating new ways to develop awareness of museums
Staff at the University of Stirling Art Collection worked with St Mungo's Primary School in Alloa to create new ways to display knowledge and develop museum awareness with schoolchildren.
Conservation for Wellbeing
In this video case study we hear from Collections Care Officer, Gwen Thomas and Outreach and Access Manager, Ria Sloan who share the successes and learnings from Museums & Galleries Edinburgh Conservation for Wellbeing pilot project.
Converting gallery lighting to LED
In this case study The Pier Arts Centre explains the process for converting their gallery lighting from halogen lamps/bulbs to LED.