Ten unique collections from museums and galleries across Scotland celebrated recently as they were deemed significant to the nation.

The new Recognition Scheme celebrates, promotes and invests in nationally significant collections held outside the nationally run museums and galleries around the country.

Funded by the Scottish Executive and managed by the Scottish Museums Council, the Recognition Scheme will help to make sure that these important collections are identified, cared for, protected and promoted to a wider audience.

Minister for Culture, Linda Fabiani, announced the first collections from the new Recognition Scheme at the Hunterian Museum and Art Gallery in Glasgow.

Ms Fabiani said, “This is a landmark occasion for Scotland's museums and galleries and the wonderful collections they display. These 10 collections are not only significant to the communities in which they are located but to Scotland as a whole.”

“I am glad to support this Recognition Scheme and look forward to seeing increased public access to these collections of national significance.’”

The 10 recognised collections are located across Scotland, and are held by local authorities, universities and independent trusts from Orkney to Dumfries and from Irvine to Anstruther. They cover a range of themes on what makes Scotland great, from medicine and art ans science to industrial heritage and our literary heroes.

The recognised collections are:

• The Entire Collection cared for by Hunterian Museum and Art Gallery, Glasgow • The Entire Collection cared for by Scottish Fisheries Museum, Anstruther

• The Entire Collection cared for by Museum of Scottish Lighthouses, Fraserburgh • The Entire Collection cared for by Pier Arts Centre, Stromness

• The Entire Collection cared for by Surgeon’s Hall Museum, Edinburgh • The Collection of Historic Musical Instruments cared for by University of Edinburgh

• The Archaeology Collection cared for by Dumfries and Galloway Museum Service • The Entire Collection cared for by Scottish Maritime Museum, Irvine

• The Entire Collection cared for by Burns Monument Trust, Alloway • The Core Collection cared for by Scottish Railway Preservation Society, Bo’ness

Holders of the recognised collections will receive specially designed plaques and certificates to display at their venue and they will have the opportunity to bid for a share of £1m earmarked for the Recognition Scheme. This funding will go to support the sector and fund aspirations to undertake projects such as increasing accessibility to their collections and improving how they are cared for.