Cultural treasures strike gold with £750k grant

Attractions including the Museum of Childhood, the Museum of Edinburgh and the Surgeon's Hall Museum are all expected to benefit from the cash.

Museums Galleries Scotland, the body representing the country's museums and galleries, secured the funding, which will be used to care for collections of national significance, from the Scottish Government.

Among the 36 collections across the country that fall into that category are those held by the city council's Museum of Childhood and Museum of Edinburgh.

Also included are Edinburgh University's Surgeon's Hall Museum, as well as the collection of historical musical instruments held by the university and the permanent collection of Royal Scottish Academy of Art and Architecture.

Joanne Orr, chief executive of Museums Galleries Scotland, said: "This presents a massive boost for our Recognised Collections of National Significance.

"Major milestones from Scotland's history are celebrated through the Recognised Collections. This funding will improve the visitor experience at these museums and galleries today and will also preserve our most important collections for the future."

Culture Minister Fiona Hyslop added: "From the Highlands to the Borders, museums and galleries play a tremendously important role in supporting tourism and the country's economy.

"This additional capital funding will contribute to improving visitors' experience and developing excellence in these internationally important collections."

Museums Galleries Scotland estimate that the country's museums and galleries welcome an estimated 25.3 million visitors per year, generating 800 million for the economy.

Councillor Deidre Brock, Edinburgh culture leader, said: "Here in Edinburgh we are proud to look after a wealth of fascinating artefacts of local, national and indeed global significance.

"Any financial assistance is to be welcomed."