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Introduction
SMC AGM 2005
Their Past Your Future Scotland
Treasure Seekers The Story So Far
Grants Projects
Regional Development Challenge Fund Project Launched
Projects in Action: Four Case Studies
It�s Show Time!
Human Remains and Related Objects in Scottish Museum Collections
Strategies
Cultural Review
Accreditation
SMC New Members � 2005
Out and About
Free Show Scotland Workshops
Ancestral Tourism Workshops
Museums and Media
January 1, 2006
Welcome to the new SMC publication MG:Q. This has been introduced not only as a means of communicating SMC�s work to our members, but also to give our partners, membership and other recipients a chance to share the good work that has been going on within the sector.
In this first edition you will see we have included pieces from guest contributors who talk not only about the work they are doing as part of initiatives or projects, but also share their experiences of these � both good and bad. We are planning to continue to invite you to contribute in further editions � please feel free to contact the editorial team whose contact details are listed on the back cover.
As well as including members the new publication is also designed to appeal to a broader audience than our membership. The new eye-catching design and more engaging content is aimed at stirring interest with potential new partners and other sectors, as well as reinforcing SMC�s increasingly public-facing role. This will open up opportunities for museums and galleries to engage more fully with key organisations outside the sector.
Much of the content of this first issue is centred around the topics discussed at our AGM and includes a full report of the day. There is unfortunately not enough space in this magazine to cover everything SMC has achieved over the past year, but we have tried to include a representative sample of some of the projects, initiatives, grants and events of 2004/05 and an insight into what is under development for 2006/07.
Just before going to print, on 19 January, Minister for Tourism, Culture and Sport Patricia Ferguson responded to the Cultural Commission�s report on the future delivery of culture in Scotland. SMC welcomed the statement, which brings �500,000 of new funding to the museums and galleries sector.
Finally, we hope you enjoy MG:Q and find the articles both interesting and informative. We would be very interested to hear your views, so please contact the editorial team with any comments you may have.
Joanne Orr
Director SMC
January 1, 2006
10 November, Alford, Aberdeenshire
SMC�s AGM 2005 was a highly successful and interesting one, with over 60 in attendance and kindly hosted by the Grampian Transport Museum and the Haughton Arms Hotel.
On arrival at Aberdeen station, attendees were greeted in style by a vintage 1966 Bristol Lodekka FS6G bus provided by the Grampian Transport Museum (GTM) as transport to Alford, and after a thoroughly enjoyable journey and some well-needed refreshments, the day�s business began.
Following a welcome by SMC Chair Graeme Roberts, SMC Director Joanne Orr gave her report of SMC�s work over the previous year, mentioning the two strategies launched � Learning and Access and ICT� as well as many other projects and initiatives which were pivotal to SMC achieving its aims in 2004/05. The Director�s report also touched on the status of the Cultural Review.
Official business continued with the re-appointment of auditors Henderson Loggie and the Election of the Board for the term commencing November 2005. Peter Stott and John Stewart-Young were elected as Local Authority Curator Directors and Fergus Waters as Independent Director. Cllr John Lynch is the new Local Authority Director and Fiona Ballantyne and Dr. Donna Heddle were co-opted to the Board.
Joanne Orr, then presented the motion of a national membership category within SMC. It was explained that the nationals would not be eligible for funding but the inclusion of this category would certainly formalise the relationship between SMC and the national museums and galleries. This category would carry two places for representation on the Board, to formalise the arrangement from previous years whereby both National Museums of Scotland and National Galleries of Scotland representatives had observer status at Board level. After comments from members present, the item was taken forward in principle subject to obtaining formal consent.
The day then continued with various presentations from SMC staff on a wide range of subjects including a grants update with member success stories, the Workforce Development and Collections Development strategies and the Their Past Your Future Scotland initiative. Guest speakers included Pat Buchanan, Board member of VisitScotland and SMC, who, along with SMC�s Assistant Director of Communications and Programmes Carl Watt, gave a talk on the proposed development of a Tourism Strategy for museums and galleries and Mike Ward of the GTM, who gave a fascinating insight into the museum�s involvement with the Scotland Against Drugs initiative.
Finally, after a lively question and answer session, the day was rounded off by a tour of the GTM, with some attendees even having a ride on the museum�s own working 1914 Sentinel Steam Wagon.
The day was both highly enjoyable and informative and SMC looks forward to seeing more of its members at the AGM 2006.
January 1, 2006
A Resounding Success
TPYF Scotland has been, and continues to be, a resounding success with thousands of people, young and old, participating in a large number of innovative and celebratory initiatives as well as visiting the Imperial War Museum (IWM) touring exhibition.
The partners have organised many successful events including talks and lectures, local exhibitions, tea dances and �sing-alongs� to name but a few. These have prompted substantial and positive press coverage on a weekly basis since the launch of TPYF Scotland, on both a regional and national level. According to Terry McKenzie, Museum Officer at East Kilbride Arts Centre, the initiative, ��provides a valuable record and legacy for our celebrations, not only for the council and funders, but for generations to come�. Indeed, as a result, each of the partners have experienced fantastic visitor numbers, with an average of 2,000 people attending each venue, not to mention the 9,000 visitors who explored the exhibition at East Kilbride and the countless education and community events which have touched many hundreds of people�s lives.
TPYF Scotland is led by SMC in partnership with the Scottish Library and Information Council and Learning and Teaching Scotland, and is funded by the Big Lottery Fund.
For more information on TPYF Scotland visit www.scotlandswar.info or contact Leanne McCormick on 0131 476 8474 or [email protected]
War Detectives
Running as part of TPYF Scotland is an online e-learning strand �War Detectives� which is being managed by the Scottish Library and Information Council. War Detectives is giving young people the opportunity to learn first hand from older generations about their experiences of living and working during WWII and is encouraging schools and communities to create a legacy of online learning resources. Throughout Scotland, primary school pupils have become War Detectives and are currently producing creative projects that tell the story of World War II in their local area. Most recently, West Lothian Council, in conjunction with primary school children from the area, produced a 1940�s newsreel highlighting the impact of war on Scotland and featuring sketches of rationing, evacuation and the home front. Indeed, the quality of the DVD was of such high standard that it is currently being featured at the final TPYF Scotland venue, Stirling Smith Museum, alongside the existing TPYF DVD.
For more information visit www.wardetectives.info
Launch: Argyll and Bute, 15 October 2005
Convenor of Argyll and Bute Council, Mr William Petrie, officially opened the exhibition at Victoria Hall in Campbeltown at a ceremony attended by over 100 people including local veterans, contributors and school children. The proceedings kicked off with a grand parade to Victoria Hall by veterans and sea cadets.
In addition, a local history exhibition, �Kintyre Remembers�, was unveiled in conjunction with the IWM exhibition, exploring WWII from a local angle. Contributions for this included a replica Spitfire to one-third scale � a particular favourite with visitors.
Marij Van Helmond, Museum Development Officer and curator of �Kintyre Remembers�, said: �We felt that it would be appropriate for Argyll & Bute Council to host this touring exhibition in Campbeltown, given the significant contribution of the Kintyre peninsula to the war effort as a vital naval training base and the large number of men and women from the area who joined the armed forces � many who lost their lives in action. We feel privileged to have been part of TPYF Scotland.�
Launch: Clackmannanshire, 10 December 2005
A Partner�s Perspective - Emma Halford-MacLeod, Project Coordinator
�TPYF in Clackmannanshire has been a real hit with the people of
the region and has certainly served to bring home not only the hardships of this era, but also the amazing community support and spirit which helped Clackmannanshire and the UK as a whole survive this traumatic period.
Thousands of visitors have taken part in the activities we have held as part of our events programme, launched officially in June by our Provost. The community has truly entered into the spirit of the sing-alongs, tea dances, film nights and other events we have held. Over 200 uniformed groups and veterans from across central Scotland took part in our uniformed parade � a fitting conclusion to our �launch weekend� � and 12 out of the 19 primary schools in the region have participated in our education workshops.
Stirling Smith Art Gallery and Museum is the final Scottish venue hosting the IWM exhibition, which arrived on 10 December and was launched by George Reid MSP in the presence of local dignitaries and residents. At the same time, we decided to deliver a regionally-related exhibition � �Our War: Clackmannanshire and Stirlingshire during the Second World War� � which tells the stories of local people on active service, in reserved occupations, and others living on the home front. This has proved highly popular with those of all ages and has provided a relevance and significance of WWII to the people of the region.
We are delighted to have been chosen as a partner for TPYF Scotland, which has enriched the lives and experiences of those who have participated in the events and visited the exhibition and has left a lasting legacy to future generations in the region.�
The TPYF Scotland exhibition is at the Stirling Smith Art Gallery and Museum until 19 February 2006.
January 1, 2006
Since Treasure Seekers was launched last year, a variety of celebrities and famous faces have been lining up ready to be photographed alongside their chosen museum objects.
Treasure Seekers is an exciting project designed to enthuse the Scottish public about the wealth of museums available to them, and highlight the important role that museums play in their communities. The national campaign focuses on building an archive of photographs featuring celebrities alongside their favourite object from their local museum. It was launched at Motherwell Heritage Centre by the First Minister, Jack McConnell, who was photographed alongside a 1942 Christmas booklet belonging to a British POW in Italy.
A number of other famous faces have also backed the campaign including Lorraine Kelly, Jack Vettriano, David Hamilton MP, Cameron Stout and Martin Compston � each choosing to be photographed with an object or painting of personal significance to them. The images will be used to promote Scotland�s wealth of museums and to highlight the important role museums play in the life of our country.
�Museums feed children�s imaginations and I remember my Dad taking me to all the Glasgow Museums. Now I love taking my own daughter to museums all over Scotland � it is even better to see it through her eyes and watch her discover new interests� Lorraine Kelly
�I have always been passionate about football and am also interested in the history of the game so it�s a real honour to be photographed with the famous 1928 match-ball�
Martin Compston
�Museums play an important role in local communities. They serve to inspire, educate and to challenge. We have an outstanding collection of museums throughout Scotland, and people all over the country should go out and enjoy them� Jack McConnell
The campaign has attracted a lot of media attention and stories have run in the Scotland on Sunday, the News of the World, the Dundee Courier and the Daily Record as well as regional papers and websites.
Over the coming months other celebrities will become �treasure seekers� as the campaign continues.
If you would like your museum or gallery to get involved in the campaign, please contact SMC Communications Officer Clare Dickinson at [email protected] or on 0131 476 8463.
January 1, 2006
Cultural Co-ordinators Get Young People into Heritage
SMC has awarded over �23,500 to fund the work of Cultural
Co-ordinators and Creative Links Officers on new learning
projects for member museums and galleries.
The funding will contribute towards 22 exciting and innovative projects run by SMC members throughout Scotland, involving young people in all aspects of heritage and culture. In addition, it is anticipated that this funding will enable SMC members to add to the �Curriculum for Excellence� model, offering more flexibility and creativity within the National Curriculum.
SMC Director Joanne Orr said: �We have been very impressed by the originality of the proposals and the imaginative way in which this funding is being used. The proposed projects also link in to SMC�s own Learning and Access Strategy, published in 2005, which promotes the support of museum staff and volunteers and other educators to undertake access and learning work.�
For more information on Cultural Co-ordinators and projects, please contact Helena Gillis on 0131 476 8591 or [email protected]
Two examples of the projects are:
Orkney is developing an interactive project at Scapa Flow Visitors Centre and Museum. Young people will be encouraged to produce interactive cards for use by museum visitors and will research the local area, feeding into an exhibition and guide to the Visitors Centre.
West Dunbartonshire is working on �Amazing Spaces: Lights, Camera, Planets�, involving young people�s visits to the Coates Observatory. Each group will also receive related art workshops and will use their new skills to create a DVD to provide a guided tour of the Observatory. This project also received maximum funding.
January 1, 2006
Regional Framework for Local History and Archaeology
One of the first projects to address local history in terms of a combined approach to archaeology, the built environment, archives, museum and library collections and landscape history was launched at a ceremony held at the Tall Ship in Glasgow Harbour last November.
The project is funded by the Regional Development Challenge Fund (RDCF) � established in 2003 to encourage exciting new partnering projects across Local Authorities (LAs), museums and related agencies. The fund is provided by the Scottish Executive and administered by SMC.
The framework involves eight adjacent LAs - West and East Dunbartonshire Councils, Inverclyde Council, North and South Lanarkshire Councils, East Renfrewshire Council, Renfrewshire Council and lead partner Glasgow City Council � and aims to pull together current knowledge of the west of Scotland�s past, providing an overview spanning from the earliest human settlement to present day. The information will be used to define a framework for future research as well as providing a starting point for anyone interesting in investigating their local community and its history.
Project Manager Isobel McDonald commented: �We hope our project will offer new insights into the history of the west of Scotland and ways forward for the future understanding and study of the past.�
�This project will open up our historical and archaeological treasures to a far wider range of people than before, and we are delighted to be part of it�. Councillor John Lynch, Convener of GCC�s Cultural and Leisure Services committee.
There are 10 RDCF projects in total and the projects are already beginning to show how partnerships are an essential means of delivering new and sustained outcomes for museums. These projects include: the Tayside Learning and Access Partnership (Perth, Dundee and Angus partners); Museum Skills Exchange and Training Network (South East Scotland); Skills Building for the Future (Highlands and Islands partners); Future Museum South West (South West Scotland partners); Digital Resource Development Team (East of Scotland partners); and Scotland and Medicine (Scotland-wide).
Dawn Kemp, Director of Heritage at Royal College of Surgeons and Project Director for the Scotland and Medicine project, will be contributing a piece for the next issue of MG:Q.
Further information about the RDCF projects can be found on the SMC website at www.scottishmuseums.org.ukor from Jane McKinlay on 0131 476 8472 or [email protected]
January 1, 2006
Grass Roots - An SMC/GEM Joint Initiative
Written by Susan Galloway, SMC/GEM Education Officer
Grass Roots hosted four training events throughout October and November last year. The first, looking at working with artists, brought together museum and gallery professionals from SMC, GEM (Group for Education in Museums) and Engage (National Association for Gallery Education) for the first time. Entitled Museums, Galleries and Artists: The Maker in Education, the seminar identified reasons why museums and galleries want to work with artists, discussing different approaches to this and examining practical issues. Delegates were encouraged to examine what it is that artists bring to education work and what working in collaboration means through a variety of case studies from artists and educators.
The day was attended by museum and gallery educators, curators, freelance artists and storytellers and cultural co-ordinators and offered a valuable opportunity for professional development and networking within the galleries and museums education sector, providing a platform for sharing good practice.
The next three events held in Perth, Inverness and Paisley, were entitled �Developing Learning Activities�. Designed for museum staff with limited educational experience, they examined the development of learning resources in museums to boost the confidence and proficiency of museums that currently offer limited learning activities.
The workshops demonstrated inspiring ways to incorporate learning into museum programmes, using practical techniques, case studies and offering advice on support.
Feedback from the training days was very positive, demonstrating both a need for the project and for future work. A number of delegates have requested mentoring sessions through the Grass Roots initiative to help them assess and implement learning activities in their museums. These sessions are taking place in January and February and aim to assist museums in developing further some of the areas explored on the training days.
There will be a further two training days for education specialists � the first, on 6 February in Aberdeen, on working with Special Educational Needs and Disabilities and the second, on 9 March in Glasgow, on Curricular Developments.
For more information on Grass Roots resources and training,
please see www.gem.org.uk or contact Susan Galloway at [email protected] or on 01382 523635.
�Linking Business with Family Learning� - A Strategic Change Fund Project
Written by Dr Robin Chesters, Director, Almond Valley Heritage Trust
�Linking Business with Family Learning� was a two-year project run by Almond Valley Heritage Trust and funded through the Strategic Change Fund, that aimed to establish sustainable new sources of income from the corporate sector to fund a range of new learning services within the museum.
As an independent museum generating about two thirds of operating costs from admission and other earned income, we were used to marketing ourselves and packaging products to suit different customers. We felt a large market existed for some form of corporate membership scheme; most likely a transferable �corporate� admission pass that all staff and their families could use and which could be a foot-in-the-door for sponsorship, donations and other beneficial links with business.
After a year of tough lessons learned, we began to make real progress. By the end of the project in October 2005, over a hundred passes had been sold and many other benefits gained � the most unexpected being our role as a venue for corporate team building exercises. These associations have also led to a significant donation towards a capital project, recruitment of a trustee, and provided many other long-term benefits.
The family learning side of the project aimed to put more thought behind the structure and content to the demonstrations, workshops, and other visitor activities. �Inspiring Learning for All� appeared to provide the tools to achieve this.
In addition, the project has prompted organisational development. Recognising our deficiencies, and drawing on advice and support from many quarters, we�ve changed the way that we work by shifting emphasis to team working, and many of the Almond Valley staff members are now studying for some form of management qualification. We are hoping this progress will help us to achieve the Investors in People standard.
Although the financial targets of the original business plan were not achieved, the Trust is now in a stronger, more sustainable position, with wider horizons and a broader constituency of support as a consequence of
the project. Thank you SMC.
Scotland Against Drugs Project
Written by Mike Ward, Curator, Grampian Transport Museum
For a little over two years the Grampian Transport Museum (GTM) has been working with Scotland Against Drugs (SAD), the main government agency working to reduce the spread of drugs misuse in Scotland � a relationship brokered by SMC in 2003. The scheme involves providing six-month work placements for up to three recovered drug addicts under the control of a dedicated supervisor, during which they tackle a programme of project work; mostly restorations, building and site works and assisting with non-routine human resource needs.
Despite the active involvement of our volunteers, the GTM had a backlog of project work. Thanks to the SAD scheme we have now virtually caught up and are able to plan new work without having to consider human resource issues � a huge relief. During the period, our volunteers have grown in number and frequency of attendance � perhaps knowing they are now less likely to be asked to do some of the less interesting work.
The benefits for the trainees are clear. They must pass a two-month trial, arriving on time, closely following employment rules, turning in an honest day�s work, supporting each other as a team and basically behaving as well as our permanent staff. Once they prove themselves we help with the provision of a wide range of externally sourced training, for example in the local oil sector. Several of our youngsters who came to us with problems are now established in the offshore industry.
Another benefit has been the effect on our local community � the perception is that we have become more useful and are doing more in, and for, the community.
The scheme demonstrates that museums with limited budgets
and sites can have the capacity to provide services not normally associated with them. The only potential issue was increased administration associated with an added group of employees, but SAD paying 10% of the total administration fee as well as meeting all employment costs has more than covered this.
SAD is being disbanded at the end of March but the employment schemes are to be funded by the replacement body at least for a further year. Funding then cannot be guaranteed, but such is the GTM�s enthusiasm for the scheme that we are already making progress in securing alternative potential funding. It is interesting to compare the difference between applying for grants for museum projects that have educational benefits and the SAD scheme which crosses over into the world of caring charities.
Black Environment Network � Discover Heritage Project
Written by Taja Sidhu, Development Officer, BEN
The Black Environment Network (BEN) is a leading charity promoting social inclusion and working to improve ethnic communities� quality of life in the built and natural environment. Working with all ethnic minorities we use the word �black� symbolically, recognising that black communities are the most visible of all ethnic communities.
We also support mainstream organisations to gain the awareness and skills to provide information, resources and services that are relevant to the needs of ethnic communities.
One of the key areas in delivering our work is through the Discover Heritage Project (DHP), focusing on promoting heritage opportunities to ethnic communities in Scotland.
Organisations we work with include Scottish Museums Council, National Trust for Scotland, RSPB, Historic Scotland, Scottish Wildlife Trust, National Museums of Scotland, Scottish Natural Heritage and the Forestry Commission who help support heritage organisations in being pro-active in reaching minority ethnic communities.
A recent DHP project involved the West Dunbartonshire Asian Women�s Group, mostly from Pakistan, India and Iran, visiting the People�s Palace in Glasgow. Rehana Ahmed, Community Leader, and Patrick Doyle, Education and Access Curator, ensured the day had a good balance of fun and educational activities for all ages, including a drama and musical workshop, history discussions, a guided tour of the museum, and traditional games played outside.
After the exercise the women expressed an understanding of Scottish culture and history, identifying similarities with their own past and upbringing.
The key outcome is that the group are now looking to make further project visits within the heritage sector, particularly those that promote the multi-cultural Scottish identity.
In addition, last year SMC worked successfully with BEN to establish the first Positive Action Traineeships within Scottish Museums, to address the lack of ethnic minority representation within museums workforce. Two ethnic minority graduates have been recruited and are presently serving their traineeships in Glasgow and Edinburgh museums.
In partnership with SMC we are eager to extend our work throughout Scotland and are very keen to hear from museums and galleries committed to diversity in the heritage and environment sector. If you are interested in developing a Discover Heritage Project, please contact me, Taja Sidhu on 0141 221 6716, email [email protected] or check out our website www.ben-network.org.uk
January 1, 2006
Show Scotland Events Weekend 28 April-1 May 2006
Evolving from Museums and Galleries Month and inspired by museums and galleries cultural celebrations in Amsterdam, Germany and New York, Show Scotland 06 will be held over the bank holiday weekend 28 April-1 May 2006 and is an exciting new event with a targeted marketing and communications campaign driven from Scotland.
The initiative will involve three days of exciting events to be held by museums and galleries and participants are encouraged to develop new, innovative and creative events such as live arts performances, public participation events, outdoor events and celebrity involvement. A special opening night launch on Friday 28 April is proposed.
SMC has appointed Colman Getty PR, a company with a proven track record in arts and heritage public relations, to work on the marketing and communications for the events weekend.
SMC would like to thank the Museums and Galleries Event Group for their support. Participating organisations are: National Museums of Scotland, National Galleries of Scotland, Glasgow City Council, City of Edinburgh Council, Aberdeen City Council, HI~Arts and the Association of Independent Museums.
Show Us The Money
SMC is pleased to announce that �20,000 has been allocated to help full members stage events for the Show Scotland 06 weekend and late opening night. The deadline for applications is Thursday 9 February and some of the most creative and original ideas could be partly or fully funded by this new small grants scheme.
Putting the Show on the Road
SMC will be going on the road with four free workshops in early February, giving advice on creative ideas, attracting local sponsorship, developing a local PR campaign and guidance on using the Show Scotland branding. See the advert inside the back cover of this magazine.
www.showscotland.com
The Show Scotland website will be launched in February. It will have a separate members area offering advice to all participating museums and galleries and information on planning events. The public section will map all the museums and galleries participating and will eventually list all events with dates and times.
Join in the Show
To participate in Show Scotland 06 or to receive our new monthly e-bulletin and our grants pack, contact Clare Dickinson on 0131 476 8463 or email [email protected] Application packs can also be downloaded from www.scottishmuseums.org.uk
Show Scotland �Late Opening Night�
�Let us entertain you� is the aim behind Show Scotland�s proposed �Late Opening Night�. Museums and galleries across Scotland are being asked to open their venues late on the night of Friday 28 April to attract new audiences.
�Making a noise� is not what one would commonly expect to happen in museum and gallery spaces which is why the Show Scotland Events Group is proposing late night events such as music performances, opera, dance and readings, encouraging both professional and local community arts organisations to participate. Think of your museum or gallery space creatively and join a nationwide event that will support your activities.
January 1, 2006
Prompted by publication earlier this year of the Department of Culture, Media and Sport�s �Code of Practice for the Care of Human Remains in Museums�, and in order to represent the range of museum sector interests in responding to the Code, SMC formed and chaired a working group, representing the museums and heritage sector in Scotland and the Scottish Executive.
Charged first with considering the suitability of the document for use in Scotland, the group has since met four times and is gathering information to inform the production of a set of guidelines specifically for Scottish museums on how to manage human remains and related objects in their collections more effectively.
Last September, the group submitted a written response detailing its concerns and as a result, a representative was invited to give evidence to the Scottish Executive�s Health Committee during the initial stage of development of the Human
Tissue (Scotland) Bill which incorporates proposed amendments to the Anatomy Act 1984, and could have major implications for the development, research, display and management of affected collections.
In December last year a detailed survey was distributed to those museums which, according to findings of the 2002 National Audit, are potential holders of such collections to clarify the location, size and use of this material. Once responses have been collated, the group has offered to feed its analysis into development of the Bill.
For more information please contact Gill Findlay, Collections Development Officer on 0131 476 8458 or [email protected]
January 1, 2006
SMC is currently developing and implementing a suite of four strategies which provide a framework to realise its vision for the sector and which will form the backbone of its work over the next three years. Contained on these pages is an update on each of the strategy areas.
the national ICT strategy: Collection Level Descriptions
The ICT strategy (published in June 2004) highlighted that museums need an easier way to load collections online. The recent consultation on the Collections Development strategy identified a need to have trusted information on collections available from a single point of access.
To help achieve this, SMC has been piloting �Collection Level Descriptions� � a written description of a museum�s collection using a common structure, containing high level collection information rather than information on individual objects. These collection descriptions can then play a role in pointing people towards more detailed information on a collection, museum or individual object.
SMC�s ultimate vision is for a comprehensive and central online database of collection descriptions for all museums in Scotland, which will help achieve a number of the goals set out in the ICT strategy but also support many of the initiatives that will result from the Collections Development strategy once it is published.
Over the coming months, SMC will take an audit of collection information it holds using data collected for the National Audit, published in 2002, and acquisition and disposal records. SMC will then contact members to verify collections data, with a view to making it more widely available over the internet.
For more information on this project, please contact ICT Advisor, Dylan Edgar, at [email protected] or on 0131 476 8457.
�Your Power to Amaze� Learning and Access Strategy Familiarisation Workshops
SMC recently facilitated two workshops in Inverness and Glasgow entitled �Your Power to Amaze� aimed at familiarising SMC�s members and key partners with the vision and objectives of the National Learning and Access strategy.
Case studies of successful learning and access projects to illustrate the five objectives of the strategy formed a core part of the workshops. For example, a presentation was given by Judith Stones from Aberdeen City Council on a project involving the creation of a DVD film by local children, using museum objects to tell a story of Aberdeen in the 20th Century.
The workshops served to not only promote the Learning and Access strategy as a framework for further planning but also to showcase what can be achieved with partnership working, strategic planning and the involvement of the public.
For further information on SMC�s National Learning and Access Strategy or the workshops, contact Helena Gillis, Senior Policy Officer, (Learning and Access) at [email protected] or on 0131 476 8591 or visit www.scottishmuseums.org.uk
Museums and Galleries for Every School
Despite the unique role museums and galleries can play in learning, usage by pre and primary school pupils is low and inconsistent in parts of Scotland. With this in mind, SMC is undertaking an ambitious study � �Museums and Galleries for Every School� � to investigate the delivery of entitlement to museums and galleries and to propose and test appropriate models for future delivery.
SMC has convened an advisory group that will be chaired by SMC board member and Education Manager at the National Library of Scotland, Nat Edwards. The group will guide the project over the coming year and is made up of a range of partners from the museums and education sectors.
Contact Christine Galey, Assistant Director (Information and
Learning) at [email protected]
or on 0131 476 8454.
Workforce Development Strategy Work
Considerable progress has been made in the last few months in the formulation of the Workforce Development strategy which will help deliver high quality opportunities, services and experiences for staff, volunteers and visitors.
Workforce development is increasingly being seen as key to the effectiveness of organisations in all sectors.
Following extensive literature research, interviews with key stakeholders and consultation with the sector the following areas have been identified as priorities to explore:
The strategy and three year action plan are due to be launched
in spring 2006.
Contact Lissa Duncan, Workforce Development Manager,
at [email protected] or on 0131 476 8469.
A National Collections Development Strategy
The National Collections Development strategy recognises the unique power of collections and the right of all people to engage with, learn from, actively shape and enjoy them.
The purpose of the strategy is to develop a framework for people working and volunteering in Scotland�s museums to manage and develop collections in a structured way. It will explore fresh means of sharing collections knowledge and curatorial skill, and will encourage a collaborative approach to the continued
care and interpretation of Scotland�s collections.
The emerging priorities from the current consultations are:
Work is now underway at SMC to produce the strategy and three-year action plan later this year.
Contact Gill Findlay, Collections Development Officer at [email protected] or on 0131 476 8458.
These strategies are being developed for the sector by the sector, involving extensive consultation with advisory groups and members around the country.
January 1, 2006
On 19 January 2006, the Minister for Tourism, Culture and Sport, Patricia Ferguson MSP, gave a statement to Parliament on the future delivery of culture in Scotland.
Within the full Scottish Executive report �Scotland�s Culture�, SMC was recognised as �the channel for the Executive�s support for the non-national museums sector� and the channel for the Executive�s funding to museums and galleries throughout Scotland. SMC responded to the report and particularly welcomed the following elements of the announcement:
SMC looks forward to working with our membership, the Scottish Executive, the National Collections and Creative Scotland to take up the challenges set out in �Scotland�s Culture�.
A full copy of the report can be found on the Scottish Executive�s website www.scotland.gov.uk. To view SMC�s response visit www.scottishmuseums.org.uk
January 1, 2006
In November last year, the Gordon Highlander�s Museum was the first Scottish museum to be awarded Full Accreditation. The Accreditation panel made a special commendation for its achievement of a five star VisitScotland visitor attraction Quality Assurance Scheme award, the museum�s volunteer policies and the completion of its application ahead of the deadline.
The applications from four more organisations were assessed at the next panel in December, resulting in seven more Fully Accredited museums and two with Provisional Accreditation. Congratulations to all.
The Museums, Libraries and Archive Council (MLA) launched the Accreditation Standard in November 2004 as the successor to Phase 2 Registration. All 280 Scottish Registered museums will be required to apply for Accreditation during the next five years, by invitation by SMC on a rolling schedule basis.
Contact Accreditation Managers Susie Hillhouse at [email protected] or Fiona McDougall at [email protected]. Both can be contacted on 0131 476 8467.
Details of Accreditation can be found on the SMC website www.scottishmuseums.org.uk
January 1, 2006
SMC�s new members of 2005 are listed below with a short description of their facilities, staff and collections.
Ross of Mull Historical Society
Ross of Mull, Mull, Argyll and Bute
Staff: Centre Manager and Local Volunteers.
A local history resource, researching genealogical and general enquiries about the area for local people and visitors. Collections consist of photos, documents and a small number of artefacts. Most recently, received external funding to create a series of guided walking trails around the Ross.
Linlithgow Union Canal Society
Linlithgow
Staff: Curator, Volunteers/Trustees.
Collection relating to the history of Linlithgow Union Canal, with a strong educational focus.
Oban War and Peace Museum
Oban, Argyll and Bute
Staff: Project Officer, Curator and Trustees.
Set up to commemorate the 50th anniversary of the Second World War, with a focus on the role played by Oban as a base for military units both on and off shore. Collection also contains items reflecting Oban life.
Atholl Country Life Museum
Blair Atholl, Perthshire
Staff: Volunteers/Trustees.
Social history collection about life in Highland Perthshire and Blair Atholl itself, displayed in the old school house in Blair Atholl. Explores themes of domestic
life, agriculture, schooling and local people.
Hibernian Historical Trust
Edinburgh
Staff: Active Board of Trustees.
Created to preserve and maintain objects, records and memorabilia connected with the history and activities of Hibernian Football Club. Committed to making these publicly accessible.
Museum of Scottish Lighthouses
Fraserburgh, Aberdeenshire
Staff: Director, Seasonal Staff, Volunteers.
Extensive collection relating to Scottish lighthouses including
a working lighthouse. Display themes include the social aspects of living and working in a lighthouse and the mechanics of the lighthouse lighting system.
Benholm and Johnshaven Historical Society
Johnshaven, Aberdeenshire
Staff: Members and Local Volunteers.
Small local history collection with some archival material. Members run the local annual community event, the Fish Festival, and own a former lifeboat shed in the village. Work in partnership with other organisations undertaking conservation work on local buildings, gravestones and wells.
Garioch Heritage Society
Inverurie, Aberdeenshire
Staff: Members of the Society.
Local social history collection including photographs, artefacts and archives. Activities include a photographic display in Inverurie Museum and holding talks and lectures on aspects of local history.
January 1, 2006
As part of her role as SMC�s Museum Development Officer,
Emma Jane McAdam makes frequent trips to mainly independent member museums throughout Scotland to advise on project development, encourage collaborative working and promote good practice, as well as picking up news from around the membership. Below, Emma Jane highlights one member she has visited recently which is going through an exciting period of development.
The MacDougall Collection at Dunollie House
�The MacDougall Trust, Associate member of SMC since 1998, aims to open a permanent museum of the MacDougall Collection, a social history collection gathered by the late Miss Hope MacDougall from throughout the Highlands and Islands with comparative material from elsewhere.
The Trust wishes to open a museum in Dunollie House in Oban � a B listed building which is the seat of Clan MacDougall and was Miss MacDougall�s home into adulthood. The Collection, comprising around 4,000 objects, would form the principal focus of the museum, taking up the entire ground floor, with an interpretation room, an education/temporary exhibition space and a room telling the story of the house.
Funding is being sought from a number of sources including Argyll and Bute Council, Argyll and Islands Enterprise and the Heritage Lottery Fund with some costs being met by the MacDougall of Dunollie Preservation Trust. Assistance in kind has been offered by the Council�s Employability team, under the New Deal scheme.
This is an exciting development opportunity for the MacDougall Trust, which has previously been unable to become Registered (Accredited) due to the absence of a permanent home for their collection. This has not prevented them from providing access to this collection � 2005 saw the development of a full-scale touring exhibition in Argyll & Bute, organised by Touring Project Officer Lynn Vesco and a Highlands and Islands tour is planned for 2006.�
For more information please contact Catherine Gillies, Project Manager of the MacDougall Collection through Emma Jane.
Emma Jane can be contacted at [email protected]
or on 0131 476 8597.
January 1, 2006
Venues and dates are as follows:
These workshops will give you all the tools you need to:
Book your place now by emailing [email protected]
or by calling Clare Dickinson on 0131 476 8463.
January 1, 2006
SMC has joined forces with the Ancestral Tourism Initiative and Tourist Board Training, to develop a bespoke one-day course for staff in the museums sector. The workshop will
aim to help you to:
There will be two all-day workshops:
Wednesday 22 March, VisitScotland Inverness,
Beechwood Park North, Inverness
Friday 24 March, Glasgow Opportunities,
North Hanover Street, Glasgow
The subsidised cost is �40 per person and participants successfully completing the course will have the opportunity to become part of �Ancestral Tourism Welcome� � a recently developed accreditation scheme developed with VisitScotland.
To book your place on one of the workshops, please email [email protected] or call June Timpson on 0131 476 8453.
January 1, 2006
The People�s Museum
There was an overwhelming response to our appeal for interesting museum treasures for the forthcoming BBC2 television programme The People�s Museum. Over 50 fascinating objects were put forward by museums and galleries, which were collated and forwarded to the BBC for consideration.
Mona Hamed, Associate Producer of the programme, has asked SMC to pass on her thanks for the quality of objects suggested, �Reef Television would like to thank all the museums in Scotland that applied for The People�s Museum. We have had a fantastic response and will no doubt be doing a substantial amount of filming in the Scottish region. All applicants will be responded to shortly.�
Keep a look out for the programme, which will be broadcast on BBC2 in May 2006 during Museums and Galleries Month.
BBC Reporting Scotland highlights role of museum volunteers
The Scottish Mining Museum recently became the centrepiece of a BBC news report about the important contribution that volunteers make to Scotland�s museums and galleries.
Focusing on �A day in the life of a museum volunteer�, the report featured George Archibald, a former miner, talking about his unpaid work in the museum library. Since his retirement George has been sharing his industry knowledge by dealing with related enquiries from members of the public.
Joanne Orr, Director of SMC, was also interviewed and spoke of how over 50% of all museum staff in Scotland are volunteers and that many museums and galleries were able to stay open over the Christmas holidays only because of the dedication of these individuals.
The report was broadcast on Monday 19 December and was co-ordinated by SMC following a call for volunteers� stories. Thank you to those members who put forward suggestions of volunteers to feature in the piece.
