Museums Galleries Scotland announces £2mn through a pioneering new programme designed to accelerate innovation and collaboration while securing a more sustainable future for Scotland’s museum sector.
Ness Historical Society, West Highland Museum, Ullapool Museum, and Helmsdale Historical Society secure funding to improve accessibility, enhance the visitor experience, and strengthen financial sustainability.
The awards have been made available through Museum Futures, a £4mn programme, developed in partnership by the Scottish Government, Museums Galleries Scotland, and The National Lottery Heritage Fund. The programme which launched last year was developed in direct response to the significant challenges facing the museum sector and offers both funding and non-financial support to help organisations strengthen their future resilience.
Culture Secretary Angus Robertson said:
“The Museum Futures programme reflects the Scottish Government’s commitment to working in partnership with Museums Galleries Scotland to ensure our museums flourish. These two funds are designed to help organisations enhance their sustainability through support for innovation and collaboration.
“Local museums are responsible for bringing the stories behind their communities to life. The Museum Futures programme aims to give them a solid foundation to build on by helping organisations think strategically about their long-term sustainability and give them the support and confidence to put those ideas into action.”
Lucy Casot, CEO of Museums Galleries Scotland said:
“We are delighted to reach this important milestone in the Museum Futures Programme and to see the positive impact the support is already having on our museums. The scale and ambition of the projects being supported demonstrates both the resilience of the sector and its determination to innovate and adapt.
“Museum Futures is not only addressing immediate challenges; it is helping to build a more confident, collaborative, and financially resilient museum sector for the future.
“We are incredibly proud to be working alongside our programme partners to support museums as they transform, grow, and continue delivering vital social, cultural, and economic value across Scotland.”
Ness Historical Society will use its £126,900 grant to support a redevelopment project that will see the building expand its shop to support future growth and meet the needs of its community. The building which houses a museum, café, arts venue, and shop is an essential community hub in North Lewis, particularly following the closure of other nearby businesses including the local post office. The renovated shop will work with local businesses to stock environmentally friendly products that promote the Gaelic language and North Lewis heritage.
Ullapool Museum has received £50,000 to develop an engagement programme to strengthen relationships with the travel trade and growing cruise ship market, positioning the museum as a key cultural destination within the region and attracting new audiences. As part of the project, the museum will launch new tourism packages, visitor experiences, and retail offerings, supported by a new Commercial Development Officer.
Helmsdale Heritage Society will use its £49,900 award to redevelop the Timespan website and refresh its visual identity, creating a more accessible, user-friendly experience. The new site will introduce features such as online ticket booking and retail, while also making it easier for audiences to explore the museum’s programme, collections, and research.
West Highland Museum has received £48,000 to support the first stage of a two-year project which aims to strengthen its financial sustainability and long-term resilience. This initial phase will focus on research and development, exploring opportunities to grow income through group visits and retail. The museum will build a clearer understanding of demand and develop plans for future delivery by working with specialist consultants to carry out audience and market research and analyse visitor data.
Together, these projects demonstrate the ambition and adaptability of Scotland’s museums. By investing in workforce, sustainability, and visitor experience, Museum Futures is enabling museums across the country to adapt, innovate, and thrive. The programme marks an important step towards a more confident, collaborative, and financially secure museum sector.
- Museums Galleries Scotland (MGS) is the National Development Body for Scotland’s museums sector. We support 452 museums and galleries through strategic investment, advice, workforce development and advocacy.
For more information contact: Robyn Evans, Marketing and PR Officer.
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