Scotland's museums and galleries are to be placed at the heart of 'ambitious' new plans to encourage growth and help the sector to maximise its potential.

The Scottish Government is working with Museums Galleries Scotland; National Galleries of Scotland; National Museums Scotland; and Glasgow Life on a country-wide strategy. Among the aims of the new strategy is ensuring the sector makes the most of its skills and resources, while also focusing on the impact of attractions in society.

Work is already underway for Museums Galleries Scotland to take on its new role as the National Development Body for Scotland's museums. It comes as culture minister Fiona Hyslop revealed £870,000 of capital and revenue support for Recognised Collections of National Significance.

A further £150,000 has been earmarked for the National Fund for Acquisitions as part of the Scottish Government's 2011-12 budget. Meanwhile, Hyslop has announced that Ray MacFarlane and Alasdair Morton have been re-appointed to the board of trustees at National Galleries of Scotland for a four-year term.