National Museums Scotland launched its first national strategy in 2006 and since then our work across the country has gone from strength to strength.

Delivering Across Scotland: National Strategy 2023-2027

Delivering Across Scotland: National Strategy 2023-2027 is our fifth National Strategy, which continues long-standing programmes delivered by National Museums Scotland across Scotland and in support of our sector.

Challenges

The museum sector is no different from others in experiencing challenging economic constraints across public services. Our consultation with museums across Scotland confirmed the fragility of the culture and heritage sector and its funding environment.

Opportunities

As well as challenges, there are opportunities that unite the sector. National Museums Scotland can add value in collaborating with museums, communities and stakeholders on shared priorities, including working towards net zero, supporting public sector reform interests, and exploring national colonial histories and their legacies.

Priorities

In our consultation, we heard a strong and consistent request for National Museums Scotland to continue to provide collections training, lending and acquisition funding programmes, lead initiatives and be an advocate for the importance of investment in collections care, management and access. While we are not resourced to provide all the support required, this National Strategy has identified two clear priorities for our work:

1. Share Scotland’s collections
   We will increase engagement with the National Collection for the benefit of people, places and communities across Scotland through maximising our national partnership working.
    
2. Support our sector
   We will increase the impact of the support we provide to the sector around collections knowledge and skills.