Lottery funding boost for Highland museums

A project to help secure the future of museums in the Highlands has received funding from the Heritage Lottery Fund.

The Highland Museums Forum (HMF) has been awarded £54,900 for the 'Our Collective Future' project, which will be led by a new partnership of 18 independent museums, covering the whole of the Highlands from Mallaig to Bettyhill and from the Black Isle to Gairloch.

The 18-month project aims to increase sustainability and capitalise on collective strengths and skills to build capacity for curatorial and management activities and future fundraising. 

Commenting on the award, Alison Boyle, Chair of HMF said:

"We are thrilled to have received the support of the Heritage Lottery Fund and are confident the project will secure an exciting and resilient future for independent museums in the Highlands."

Each museum in the partnership will benefit from an individual business review and fundraising advice. A range of training opportunities will be available for museums staff and volunteers. Museums will work together, sharing skills and knowledge and creating even better experiences for visitors and more opportunities for local people to become involved.

The project, which has also received funding from Museums Galleries Scotland of £35,000, is now underway and is due to complete by October 2018.

Visit the Highland Museums Forum website for more information.