A further six museum and gallery collections from across Scotland have been identified as being significant to the nation under the Recognition Scheme.

The list also includes the first partnership collection to achieve Recognised status. The National Burns Collection is the largest distributed collection of material relating to Burns in the world and its core is held by eight different organisations.

The latest Collections to be awarded Recognition status explore diverse periods of Scotland's history. Making it on to the prestigious list are the 300 year old farming village of Auchindrain; the Museum of Edinburgh's important collection of Scottish ceramics, glass and silver; and the fossil collection cared for by Elgin Museum, one of Scotland's oldest independent museums.

Orkney Museum's archaeology collection, which spans all periods of the island's prehistoric and early medieval past has also been Recognised as has the permanent collection of the Royal Scottish Academy of Art and Architecture.

Managed by Museums Galleries Scotland on behalf of the Scottish Government, the Recognition Scheme aims to identify, and subsequently support, collections of national significance held in Scotland's museums and galleries.

Joanne Orr, CEO of Museums Galleries Scotland, said: "This latest announcement really demonstrates how the Recognition Scheme is continuing to highlight the outstanding quality of the collections held by our museums and galleries across the country."

"I am delighted to see our first partnership collection achieve Recognition. The National Burns Collection is a wonderful example of how collaborative working can establish an unrivalled and comprehensive collection and I look forward to seeing more applications like this emerge in future rounds of the Scheme."

Linda Fabiani, Minister for Culture, said: "Congratulations to those museums and galleries which have joined the national recognition scheme. While boasting their own individual merits, these collections, taken together, make a significant contribution to Scotland's wider cultural landscape. These collections are sure to be enjoyed immensely by home based Scots and visitors alike for many years to come.

"I am particularly pleased as we approach the Year of Homecoming 2009 and the 250th anniversary of the birth of Roberts Burns, to see the National Burns collection granted Recognised status."

Douglas Connell, Chair of the Recognition Committee, which oversees the Recognition of collections of national significance, said: "To achieve Recognition status, the applicants had to demonstrate the uniqueness, authenticity, comprehensiveness, and national value of their collection. The Recognition Scheme helps to ensure they are cared for, protected and also promoted to attract more visitors both locally and from further afield."

This announcement brings the number of Recognised Collections of National Significance across Scotland to 33. Custodians of Recognised Collections will be presented with specially designed plaques and certificates to display at their venue. They currently have the opportunity to bid for up to £40,000 of funding to undertake a project to increase accessibility to their collections and improve how they are cared for.