National Training Programme

Our National Training Programme provides collections knowledge and skills training for Scottish Museums. Last year National Museums Scotland delivered over 250 learning experiences to 75 organisations. We covered topics such as managing a collections move, how to bid at auction, mounting a crowdfunding campaign and using handling collections for learning.

Find out more about our upcoming courses here

Collections advice

Our collections departments directory is organised to help you find the support and advice you are looking for. Please see our Advising Museums Guide for more information on advice we can offer you and how. For more information, please contact the Partnerships team on partnerships@nms.ac.uk.

Guidance materials and resources

Our materials aim to offer simple How To guidance in areas we are often asked about, or to share National Museums Scotland practice in areas that may be of interest to a wider audience.

• Guide to borrowing from National Museums Scotland
• Guide to Collections Advice
• National Fund for Acquisitions Guidance for Applicants 
• Working with Young People in Museums 
• Review of Pacific Collections in Scotland
• Introduction to Pacific Collections
• National Museums Scotland Object Handling Guidelines 

Case studies 

Introduction to the Care of Entomology Collections

The National Museums Collection Centre hosted an introduction to the care of insect collections to a group of curators. The training included developing skills such as specimen preparation, data capture and how to avoid pest infestation, all of which were summarised in a printed resource for each participant.

‘Excellent workshop providing lots of varied and useful information for me to take forward in my role.’ Course participant

‘A very friendly, relaxed approach led by three knowledgeable members of the Entomology team.’ Course participant

Building Skills: Developing and Using Handling Collections

Participants came from museums across Scotland to learn how to create, use and maintain object handling collections as a tool for learning. The workshop gave participants an understanding of how different kinds of handling collections can be used for specific audiences, either in the museum or in community outreach. Examples of these projects were shared to the group by course leaders.

‘I thought it was great – professionals sharing their practice and recent experiences in a very open and honest way.’ Course participant

‘Inspiring, active and passionate individuals in the National Museums Scotland team.’ Course participant