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Recognised Museum Collections of National Significance in Scotland

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The Recognition Scheme was formed in 2007 by the Scottish Government to highlight culturally significant museum collections that lie outside of the Scottish national museums and galleries[1]. A Recognised Collection of National Significance is one that is of such importance and quality that it merits formal recognition and support by national government[2]. The scheme is formally administered by Museums Galleries Scotland on behalf of the Scottish Government[3].

The Recognition Scheme is only available to accredited non-national museums who have demonstrated the significance and importance of their collection. Museums may apply for an entire collection or part of a collection to be recognised. Multiple museums may also apply for Recognition together in partnership as a distributed collection, such as the Robert Burns Collection which is cared for in thirteen separate museums and galleries across Scotland.

History of the Recognition Scheme

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The Recognition Scheme was developed on behalf of the Scottish Executive (now Scottish Government) by the Scottish Museums Council (now Museums Galleries Scotland). During 2004, a feasibility study was conducted under the direction of a steering group of key stakeholders across the museum sector.

The study resulted in a proposal that was the subject of consultation during the summer of 2005. The consultation demonstrated wide sector support for the scheme. Introduction of the Recognition Scheme was announced in the ministerial statement in response to the cultural review Scotland’s Culture in January 2006[4]. The Scheme was launched in October 2006 and the first awards of Recognised status were made in June 2007.

The Recognised Collections

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Collection Name Museum(s) Town/City Council area Summary Image
Aberdeen Art Gallery & Museums Collection Aberdeen Art Gallery, Aberdeen Maritime Museum, Provost Skene’s House Aberdeen Aberdeen The entire collection of Aberdeen Art Gallery & Museums is cared for by Aberdeen City Council and held across three museums within the city: Aberdeen Art Gallery, Aberdeen Maritime Museum and Provost Skene’s House. The diverse collection ranges from fine art, applied art, archeology and maritime and industrial history. Highlights of the collection include artwork from 19th and 20th century artists, enamel and jewellery by local contemporary artist James Cromar Watt, ship models from 1689 to the present and medieval and prehistoric archeological objects excavated in the local area.  
 
Arthur Smith Schooner painting which is part of the Aberdeen Art Gallery and Museums Collection.
University of Aberdeen Collection King's Museum Aberdeen Aberdeen Founded in 1751, the collection is over 500 years old and is rich in contextual information whilst maintaining an intimate link with the university’s libraries and archives.
Aberdeenshire Farming Collection Aberdeenshire Farming Museum Mintlaw Aberdeenshire The Aberdeenshire Farming Museum Collection cared for by Aberdeenshire Council is housed at Aberdeenshire Farming Museum, within Aden Country Park. The Recognised Collection exhibits objects farming machinery commonly used in the last two hundred years and domestic items that were used in 20th century farm life. The collection is particularly strong in areas of mixed livestock and arable farming.
 
Aberdeenshire Farming Museum
Museum of Scottish Lighthouses Collection Museum of Scottish Lighthouses Fraserburgh Aberdeenshire The entire collection of the Museum of Scottish Lighthouses, based within the museum and nearby Kinnaird Head Lighthouse, includes lighthouse lenses from a variety of Scottish lighthouses, maintenance equipment and spares for Scottish lighthouses as well as a large archive of lighthouse record books and a photograph collection including the Allardyce Slide Collection of nearly 10,000 images.
 
Fresnel Lens assembly held in the Museum of Scottish Lighthouse Collection.
Auchindrain Township Collection Auchindrain Township Museum Auchindrain Argyll and Bute The Auchindrain Township collection, cared for by Auchindrain Trust, is a rare example of old communal tenancy farming township and the way of life of the country people of this area of Scotland in the past. Auchindrain is an open air museum and the Recognised Collection contains the 22 buildings and building remains and other man made features, such stone dykes, kaleyards and middens, across 22 acres.
 
Restored crofter house in Auchindrain Township Collection.
The Prehistoric Collection at Kilmartin Museum Kilmartin Museum Kilmartin Argyll and Bute The Prehistoric Collection at Kilmartin Museum contains a wide range of prehistoric artefacts, including flint and other stone tools, bronze weapons, and prehistoric pottery. The pottery collections include the three earliest ‘Beaker’ pots ever found in Britain and a unique Footed Food Vessel. Many of the museum’s objects were excavated at the Neolithic and Bronze Age sites and monuments in Kilmartin Glen where the museum is situated.
The Entire Collection of the Scottish Maritime Museum Denny Ship Model Test Tank

Scottish Maritime Museum

Dumbarton

Irvine

Multiple The Scottish Maritime Museum’s collection contains over 44,000 objects ranging from vessels to archival records and includes the Linthouse Engine Shed and the Denny Experimental Ship Model test tank which are both “A” listed structures.
The Entire Collection of the Robert Burns Birthplace Museum Robert Burns Birthplace Museum Alloway South Ayrshire The collection, formed by Burns Monument Trust, is the largest museum collection in the world of artefacts relating to the poet Robert Burns. The collection includes manuscripts, rare books, artefacts relating to Burns and his family and pieces of art.
The Historical Musical Instrument Collection of East Ayrshire Leisure Dean Castle Kilmarnock East Ayrshire The collection of historic musical instruments features lutes, guitars, harpsichords, recorders, pianos and harps and boasts one of the earliest violins in existence - an English Renaissance violin made by the Bassano family which dates from between 1550 and 1580.
The Core Collection of Brodick Castle of the National Trust for Scotland Brodick Castle Brodick Isle of Arran The core collection of the Hamilton family. One of Scotland’s foremost noble family and claimants to the Scottish throne. The items amassed by the Hamilton family have been described as the greatest collection of fine and decorative art in the history of Scotland.
The Miners' Library Collection Museum of Lead Mining Wanlockhead Dumfries and Galloway The Miners' Library Collection, cared for by the Museum of Lead Mining, Founded in 1756, the library is the second oldest in Europe. It is an excellent and rare example of a community subscription library and as such it plays an integral role in the story of Scotland’s social history.  
The Dumfries and Galloway Archeaology Collection Annan Museum

Dumfries Museum

Stewartry Museum

Stranraer Museum

Whithorn - Cradle of Christianity

Dumfries and Galloway


One of the largest archaeology collections in Scotland and it is the primary source of information for understanding the region’s prehistory and history.

 
Kirkcudbright Artists’ Collection Dumfries Museum

Gracefield Arts Centre

Robert Burns Centre

Stewartry Museum

Stranraer Museum

Tolbooth Art Centre

Dumfries and Galloway Several artists from the Glasgow art movement, including Glasgow Boys and Scottish Colourists, based themselves in the Kirkcudbright area Between 1880 and 1980. The Kirkcudbright Artist’s Collection cared for by Dumfries and Galloway Council illustrates the lives and works of the collective and roots the town firmly in the history of Scottish Art.
The Fine and Decorative Art Collections The McManus Dundee Dundee The richly varied art collection has over 4000 works and includes excellent coverage of 19th and 20th century Scottish Art – with notable Dundee artists, John Duncan and McIntosh Patrick. Also included is an important collection of Scottish provincial silver.  
The Whaling Collection The McManus Dundee Dundee The collection has it's origins in Dundee’s Watt Institute, founded in 1824. The Whaling Collection represents an industry that was once very important to Scotland and to Dundee in particular.  
The RRS Discovery and associated Polar Collection Discovery Point Dundee Dundee The Royal Research Ship Discovery, was one of the last great three-masted sailing ships to be built in Britain. Built on the construction principles of a Scottish whaling ship, she is now the only surviving vessel of this kind. Along with the ship the collection holds around 2400 polar artefacts. The associated collections relate to the history of the ship and the men who served on her.  
The Jute Collections Verdant Works Dundee Dundee The Jute Collection at Verdant Works includes the only surviving operational jute mill in Scotland. It is an 'A' listed building and is a rare surviving example of a courtyard-type mill with its original building layout and many original features remaining. The collection contains over four thousand objects, representing almost all of the existing artefacts related to jute manufacture in the UK.  
The Museum of Childhood Collection Museum of Childhood Edinburgh Edinburgh The collection comprises nearly 50,000 items reflecting the history of childhood from the 18th century to the present day. The collection includes toys and games of all kinds from many parts of the world and whole rooms are devoted to dolls, teddy bears and train sets.  
The Scottish Art Collection City Art Centre Edinburgh Held within the City Art Centre, Edinburgh’s fine art collection consists of around 3,500 works of Scottish art in the form of paintings, watercolours, drawings, prints, photographs, sculpture and tapestries. The collection includes works by William McTaggart, J D Fergusson, Samuel Peploe and Joan Eardley. The collection also includes works by contemporary Scottish artists such as Alan Davie, Elizabeth Blackadder, Eduardo Paolozzi and John Bellany.  
The Museum of Edinburgh's Applied Art Collection Museum of Edinburgh Edinburgh Edinburgh The Applied Art collection includes applied art, Scottish ceramics, Edinburgh glass and Edinburgh and Canongate silver.  
The Entire Collection cared for by Surgeon's Hall Museum Surgeons Hall Museum Edinburgh Edinburgh Surgeons’ Hall Museum is the most significant single repository of medical collections in Scotland and the collections comprehensively cover surgical, anatomical and pathological developments throughout the 19th and 20th centuries. The collection is unique in still being held in the building designed specifically to house it – Surgeons’ Hall designed by William Playfair and the oldest surviving museum in Scotland to still hold its original collections.  
The Permanent Collection of the Royal Scottish Academy of Art and Architecture Royal Scottish Academy Edinburgh The Scottish art and art-related material in the permanent collections of the Royal Scottish Academy of Art and Architecture comprises of some 5,000 paintings, drawings, sculptures, prints, architectural drawings and models, art photographs, and studio equipment  
The Collection of Historical Musical Instruments St Cecilia's Hall Edinburgh Edinburgh University Collection of Historic Musical Instruments (EUCHMI) ranks among the world's most important collections of musical heritage. All the main types of musical sound-making device are represented. The collection is housed within St Cecilia's Hall, the first purpose-built concert hall in Scotland.  
The Entire collection of the National Mining Museum Scotland National Mining Museum Scotland Newtongrange Midlothian  
The Core Collection of the Scottish Railway Preservation Society The Museum of Scottish Railways Bo'ness Falkirk  
The Scottish Shale Oil Collection Almond Valley Heritage Centre Millfield West Lothian  
The Entire Collection cared for by Scottish Fisheries Museum Scottish Fisheries Museum Ansthruther Fife  
The Chemistry, Historic Scientific Instruments and Heritage Collections of the University of St Andrews Museums of the University of St Andrews St Andrews Fife  
The Entire Collection of the British Golf Museum British Golf Museum St Andrews Fife  
The Entire Collection of Glasgow Museums The Burrell Collection

Fossil Grove

Gallery of Modern Art (GoMA)

Kelvingrove Art Gallery & Museum

The Open Museum

People’s Palace & Winter Gardens

Provand’s Lordship

Riverside Museum

Scotland Street School Museum

St Mungo’s Museum of Religious Life & Art

Glasgow Greater Glasgow and the Clyde Valley  
The Paisley Shawl Collection of Renfrewshire Leisure Paisley Museum & Art Gallery

The Secret Collection

Paisley Greater Glasgow and the Clyde Valley  
The Entire Collection of The Hunterian The Hunterian Glasgow Greater Glasgow and the Clyde Valley  
The Charles Rennie Mackintosh Collection of Glasgow School of Art Glasgow School of Art Glasgow Greater Glasgow and the Clyde Valley  
The Industrial and associated Social History Collections of CultureNL Colzium Museum

Cumbernauld Museum

Kilsyth Heritage

Motherwell Heritage Centre

Shotts Heritage Centre

Summerlee

 
The Entire Collection of the Scottish Football Museum Scottish Football Museum  
The Sewing Machine Collection & Singer Archive of West Dunbartonshire Council Clydebank Museum  
The Entire Museum Collection of Glasgow Women’s Library Glasgow Women's Library  
The Archaeology Collection of Orkney Museum Orkney Museum  
The Entire Collection of the Pier Arts Centre Pier Arts Centre Stromness Orkney This important collection of modernist British fine art was established by noted peace activist and philanthropist, Margaret Gardiner and has pieces dating from 1929 to the present day.  
The Entire Collection of Perth and Kinross Council Museums and Art Galleries Alyth Museum

Fergusson Gallery

Perth Museum & Art Gallery

Founded in 1784, this collection spans three centuries and boasts the largest single holding of work by J D Fergusson in existence.  
The Chippendale and Trotter Furniture Collection of Paxton House Paxton House  
The Textile and Archeology Collections of Shetland Amenity Trust Shetland Museum and Archives This comprehensive collection represents the importance of textiles to Shetland and Scotland. The large collection includes Fair Isle knitting and Shetland lace, hand-woven tweed and rugs, processed and spun wool, textile tools and implements, documents and ephemera, and archaeological textiles.  
The Fossil Collection of Elgin Museum Elgin Museum  
The George Bain Collection of Groam House Museum Groam House Museum Rosemarkie Described as the “father of modern Celtic design[5]”, George Bain was an artist and teacher who devoted his life to the painstaking study of Celtic Art and the techniques used by artists to construct these intricate pictures. The collection includes his designs and examples of paintings, embroidery, knitting patterns, embossed leather work, sculpture, carpets and jewellery  
The Entire Collection of the Highland Folk Museum Highland Folk Museum  
National Burns Collection of National Burns Collection Partnership Burns Cottage Museum

The Robert Burns Centre

Burns House

Burns House Museum (Mauchline)

Dean Castle

Kelvingrove Art Gallery & Museum

National Gallery of Scotland

North Ayrshire Museum

Open Museum

Rozelle House Galleries

Scottish National Portrait Gallery

The Baird

The Dick Museum & Art Gallery

The Writers’ Museum

 
Scottish Regimental Museums' Collection cared for by the Association of Scottish Military Museums The Royal Scots Dragoon Guards Museum

Museum of The Royal Regiment of Scotland

Museum of The Royal Scots Regimental

The Kings Own Scottish Borderers Regimental Museum

The Royal Highland Fusiliers Museum

The Cameronians Regimental Collection at Low Parks Museum

The Black Watch Museum

The Highlanders Museum

The Gordon Highlanders Museum

The Argyll and Sutherland Highlanders Regimental Museum

 


Dumfries & Galloway and The Borders

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The Robert Burns Collection Burns House, Dumfries
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This definitive collection conveys the richness and power of Robert Burns’ work and the international importance of his legacy, which is further enhanced by that fact that many of the sites were previously home to Burns himself.

The National Burns Collection is also held in museums and galleries in Greater Glasgow & Ayrshire and Edinburgh & the Lothians.


Kirkcudbright Artists’ Collection

Dundee & Angus

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The Fine and Decorative Art Collection cared for by Dundee City Museums

The Whaling Collection cared for by Dundee City Museums

McManus Galleries, Dundee

This richly varied art collection includes works from Dundee artists such as John Duncan and McIntosh Patrick whilst the Whaling collection gives an excellent picture of this once important industry.

The RRS Discovery and her associated Polar Collection cared for by Dundee Heritage Trust

  • Discovery Point, Dundee

Learn about life on this impressive three-masted sailing ship used by Scott in his expedition to the North Pole and discover personal items from great explorers like Scott, Markham and Skelton.

The Jute Collections cared for by Dundee Heritage Trust

  • Verdant Works, Dundee

This charming fully operational mill is packed with original features and provides a comprehensive history of the jute industry in the UK.

Edinburgh & The Lothians

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The Museum of Childhood Collection cared for by City of Edinburgh Museums and Galleries

  • Museum of Childhood, Edinburgh

See toys and games from the 18th century to the present day – from dolls and teddies to board games and train sets.

The Scottish Art Collection cared for by City of Edinburgh Museums and Galleries

  • City Art Centre, Edinburgh

This extensive art collection comprises works by both historic Scottish artists such as McTaggart, Fergusson, Peploe and Eardley and their contemporary counterparts such as Davie, Blackadder, Paolozzi and Bellany.

The Museum of Edinburgh's Applied Art Collection

  • Museum of Edinburgh, Edinburgh

This substantial collection of applied art includes Scottish ceramics and glass as well as an outstanding array of Edinburgh and Canongate silver.

The Entire Collection cared for by Surgeon's Hall Museum

  • Surgeons' Hall Museum, Edinburgh

Visit the oldest surviving museum in Scotland, and learn about all the major developments in anatomy, pathology and surgery since the 19th century.

The Robert Burns Collection cared for by the National Burns collection Partnership

  • The Writers’ Museum, Edinburgh
  • National Gallery of Scotland, Edinburgh
  • Scottish National Portrait Gallery, Edinburgh

This definitive collection conveys the richness and power of Robert Burns’ work and the international importance of his legacy, which is further enhanced by that fact that many of the sites were previously home to Burns himself.

The National Burns Collection is also held in museums and galleries in Greater Glasgow & Ayrshire and Dumfries & Galloway.

The Permanent Collection of the Royal Scottish Academy of Art and Architecture

  • Royal Scottish Academy, Edinburgh

A diverse collection including paintings, drawings, sculptures, prints, photographs, studio equipment and architectural drawings dating from1831.

The Entire Collection cared for by Scottish Mining Museum

  • Scottish Mining Museum, Newtongrange

Let an ex-miner guide you through the life of a mining community at the last remaining colliery in Scotland, the Lady Victoria.

The Core Collection cared for by Scottish Railway Preservation Society

  • Bo’ness & Kinneil Railway, Bo’ness

Transport yourself back to the dawn of the railway age and track its growth through the impressive steam and diesel locomotives, carriages and wagons.

The Collection of Historical Musical Instruments cared for by University of Edinburgh

  • St Cecilia’s Hall Museum of Instruments, Edinburgh
  • Reid Concert Hall Museum of Instruments, Edinburgh

This collection of rare and unique items of musical heritage spans over 500 years and consists of all types of sound-making device.

The Scottish Shale Oil Collection cared for by Almond Valley Heritage Trust

  • Almond Valley Heritage Centre

A wonderfully varied and unique collection with items ranging from tiny microscope slides and industrial machinery to ornate vintage oil lamps and bottles of intriguingly assorted shades.

Fife

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The Entire Collection cared for by Scottish Fisheries Museum

  • Scottish Fisheries Museum, Anstruther

The history of the Scottish fishing industry from the earliest times to the present day, revealed through a multi-faceted collection with numerous items from the nation’s coastline.

The Heritage Collections cared for by the University of St Andrews

The Chemistry Collection cared for by the University of St Andrews

The Historic Scientific Instruments Collection cared for by the University of St Andrews

  • Museum of the University of St Andrews (MUSA), St Andrews

Study the history of Scotland’s oldest university, uncover its personalities and teaching practices and learn how its wide ranging collections link to a variety of key figures in Scottish history.

The Entire Collection cared for by teh British Golf Museum

  • British Golf Museum, St Andrews

Discover the history of golf from medieval times to the present, including the men's and women's games, British and international, both professional and amateur.

Greater Glasgow & Ayrshire

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The Entire Collection cared for by Glasgow Museums

  • The Burrell Collection, Glasgow
  • Fossil Grove, Glasgow
  • GoMA, Glasgow
  • The Open Museum, Glasgow
  • Kelvingrove, Glasgow
  • Riverside Museum, Glasgow
  • People’s Palace, Glasgow
  • Scotland Street School, Glasgow
  • Provand’s Lordship, Glasgow

This vast collection covers art & design, natural & human history, transport & technology and includes works by masters such as Rembrandt, Van Gogh, Whistler and Dali.

The Robert Burns Collection cared for by the National Burns collection Partnership

  • Burns House Museum, Mauchline
  • Dean Castle, Kilmarnock
  • Open Museum, Glasgow
  • Kelvingrove Museum & Art Gallery, Glasgow
  • North Ayrshire Museum, Saltcoats
  • Robert Burns Birthplace Museum, Alloway
  • Rozelle House Galleries, Ayr
  • The Baird, Cumnock
  • The Dick Museum & Art Gallery, Kilmarnock

This definitive collection conveys the richness and power of Robert Burns’ work and the international importance of his legacy, which is further enhanced by that fact that many of the sites were previously home to Burns himself.

The National Burns Collection is also held in museums and galleries in Edinburgh & the Lothians and Dumfries & Galloway.

The Paisley Shawl Collection cared for by Renfrewshire Arts and Museums Service

  • Paisley Museum, Paisley

Learn about the world-renowned paisley pattern and how the shawl weaving industry developed to international status.

The Entire Collection cared for by Scottish Maritime Museum

  • The Scottish Maritime Museum, Irvine
  • The Denny Ship Model Experiment Tank, Dumbarton

This broad collection ranges from full-sized vessels to archival records to marine engines and buildings such as the Linthouse Engine Shed.

The Historical Musical Instrument Collection cared for by East Ayrshire Leisure

  • Dean Castle, Kilrmarnock

The collection features lutes, guitars, harpsichords, recorders, pianos and harps and boasts one of the earliest violins in existence – an English Renaissance violin made by the Bassano family which dates from between 1550 and 1580.

The Entire Collection cared for by the Robert Burns Birthplace Museum

  • Robert Burns Birthplace Museum, Alloway

This is the largest collection in the world of artefacts relating to the poet Robert Burns. It contains iconic items with direct links to his life and the most complete set of the poet's published work which is known to exist.

The Entire Collection cared for by Hunterian Museum and Art Gallery

  • The Hunterian Museum
  • The Hunterian Art Gallery

These collections represent a tangible and internationally important legacy of the Scottish Enlightenment.

The Charles Rennie Mackintosh collection of Glasgow School of Art

  • Glasgow School of Art

This impressive and extensive collection comprises work such as, furniture, drawings, watercolour’s and decorative art objects by the school’s most celebrated alumni, Charles Rennie Mackintosh.

The Industrial and associated Social History collections of North Lanarkshire Council

  • Summerlee Museum of Industrial Life
  • Motherwell Heritage Centre
  • Shotts Heritage Centre
  • Cumbernauld Museum
  • Colzium Museum
  • Kilsyth's Heritage

This collection covers all the main industries in Scotland with an emphasis on iron, steel, coal and engineering. There is a wealth of material to explore including specialist items relating to Colville’s, Dalzell and Ravenscraig.

The Entire Collection of the Scottish Football Museum

  • Scottish Football Museum

This impressive and exciting collection is a must for football lovers!Highlights include the world’s oldest football letter and the oldest national trophy, the Scottish Cup.

The Sewing Machine Collection & Singer Archive cared for by West Dunbartonshire Council

  • Clydebank Museum and Art Gallery

The collection offers a fascinating insight into the manufacture, development and impact of one of the most important inventions in history – the sewing machine.

A video about the Sewing Machine collection and Singer archive was created to celebrate the announcement of this as the 39th Recognised collection.

Glasgow Women's Library

Highlands & Islands

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The Fossil Collection cared for by Elgin Museum

  • Elgin Museum, Elgin

This collection mainly comes from the Victorian era when quarrying was at its height, however, its unique specimens continue to intrigue palaeontologists to this day.

The Archaeology Collection cared for by Orkney Museum

  • Orkney Museum, Kirkwall

This is a unique and comprehensive collection of artefacts from the island’s prehistoric and early medieval past. Its highlights include the goods from the Viking boat grave at Scar and a magnificent spiral-carved stone from Pierowall.

The Entire Collection cared for by Pier Arts Centre

  • Pier Arts Centre, Stromness

This important collection of modernist British fine art was established by noted peace activist and philanthropist, Margaret Gardiner and has pieces dating from 1929 to the present day.


Highland Folk Museum

Funding

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Museums holding a Recognised Collection have access to a segregated investment fund, the National Recognition Fund, to ensure that the quality of the collections are maintained and improved. Funding is also available to help widen access to the collections to ensure members of the public have a greater opportunity to view and appreciate them.

References

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  1. ^ "Scottish Collections In Smaller Museums To Benefit From Recognition Scheme | Culture24". www.culture24.org.uk. Retrieved 2016-01-25.
  2. ^ "Museums Galleries Scotland". www.museumsgalleriesscotland.org.uk. Retrieved 2016-01-27.
  3. ^ "Museums Galleries Scotland Recognition Scheme - mygov.scot". www.mygov.scot. Retrieved 2016-01-25.
  4. ^ "The Scottish Government - Scotland's Culture Report" (PDF). The Scottish Government. January 2006. Retrieved 25 January 2016.
  5. ^ "Celebrating The Life of George Bain - The Father of Modern Celtic Art". arts.caithness.org. Retrieved 2020-09-10.

Museums in Scotland Collections of museums in the United Kingdom

Macfack (talk) 16:05, 22 January 2016 (UTC)