Scottish culture secretary Fiona Hyslop has today unveiled a new strategy which aims to connect the entire Scottish network of museums and galleries in a drive for greater collaboration, innovation and creativity.

Going Further: The National Strategy for Scotland's Museums and Galleries is designed to unite the sector and establish a shared vision to achieve a more sustainable future.

Joanne Orr, CEO, Museums Galleries Scotland, said: "The strategy is essentially about encouraging the sector, harnessing the power of their considerable ambition and enterprising spirit, changing how we work for greater public value and benefit.

"It is about maximising the potential of Scotland's unique museum collections, empowering the workforce through skills development and developing a more global perspective through our collections and culture."

The strategy highlights a number of current projects being driven by the sector as examples of best practice - such as Scottish Fisheries Museum's Coastal Rowing Project, where communities are being engaged through local heritage to come together to build boats and form rowing clubs.

Fiona Hyslop said that, to support the strategy, an additional £3.3m was being made available to fund future projects.

She said: "Our museums and galleries welcome around 25 million visitors every year, attracting people to all parts of Scotland and making a vital £800m contribution to the Scottish economy. We simply cannot underestimate their significant educational, social and economic value.

"The launch today of a pioneering strategy for the entire sector, together with the announcement that the Scottish Government will grant £3.3m funding for the sector, reaffirms the government's strong commitment to the development of Scotland's museums and galleries."

As well as setting the strategic direction for the sector, the new strategy will inform the business plan for a new National Development Body (NDB) for Scotland's museums and galleries that will champion the strategy.

As reported in Leisure Opportunities earlier this month, Museums Galleries Scotland has been invited to take on the role by the Scottish Government and is currently making transitional arrangements to become the NDB.

The next steps for the sector are a series of roadshows early this summer where museums can discuss the strategy and contribute to the development of a Strategy Delivery Plan.

Click here to download the full document of the National Strategy for Scotland's Museums and Galleries.