Highland independent museums meet national standards

Months of hard work have paid off for seven Highland independent museums. Dunbeath Heritage Centre, Timespan (Helmsdale), Groam House Museum (Rosemarkie), Ullapool Museum, Grantown Museum, Gairloch Heritage Museum and the Museum of the Isles on Skye have all  achieved museum accreditation, meeting the set of national standards for UK museums.

Gaining accreditation ensures that the museums are well managed and working to the highest standards.  This includes behind the scenes work in caring and documenting objects and exhibitions, visitor services and working with schools and community groups.

To achieve accreditation, museums must meet published requirements in how they care for and document their collections; how they are governed and managed, and on the information and services they offer to their users.

Councillor Bill Fernie, Chairman of The Highland Council’s Education, Culture and Sport Committee said: “Congratulations to the independent museums on gaining their accreditation. The Council acknowledges the highly important work they do in their communities. This is recognised through the Council Programme for Administration which supports a range of community-run museums across the Highlands with advice, training and grant aid. I look forward to many more independent museums in the Highlands gaining their accreditation status.”

Lorna Cruickshank, The Highland Council’s, Independent Museums Support Officer, said: “This is a  achievement for Highland independent museums and recognises the commitment, hard work and enthusiasm of all the staff and volunteers involved.”

The invitation to apply for accreditation is carried out on a rolling basis and the remaining independent museums in the Highlands are currently working on their applications.

The Museum Accreditation Scheme is maintained by the Museums Libraries and Archives Council.  It is assessed in Scotland by Museums Galleries Scotland.