This collaboration has two main aims: to reveal Caribbean natural science collections in Scottish museums through a national review and published report; and to foster a network that connects collection holders with museums and communities in the Caribbean, and people of Caribbean descent in Scotland.

Last updated: 5 October 2026

About the project

Led by National Museums Scotland; Glasgow Life, Museums; The Hunterian, University of Glasgow; and University of Aberdeen Collections.  

The consortium worked in partnership with 7 organisations across Scotland that hold Caribbean natural science collections; an Advisory Group representing organisations in the Caribbean, and diaspora organisations in Scotland; as well as forming a Curatorial Network Group responsible for Caribbean natural science collections in Scottish museums.  

This review report is intended to be a starting point for future research, partnerships, and dialogue. This project has been funded by the John Ellerman Foundation.

Project title

Reveal and Connect: Caribbean Natural Science Collections in Scottish Museums – Legacy

Project active

2025 - 2026

Research theme

Colonial Histories and Legacies

Research programme

Identities and Cultural Contacts

Contributors to all Reveal and Connect projects


Project contact

Partners

You might also be interested in

  1. Fan with wooden sticks and guards painted black with gilt detailing. One guard with inscription 'ESPANA'. Fan leaf in metallic paper printed with a bullfighting scene

    Fan favourites: 5 decorative souvenir fans

    Art and design, Fashion and textiles

    Written by Dr Emily Taylor & Carys Wilkins
    Hand-held folding fans are a lightweight portable accessory. Although their practical function is to keep you cool, the decoration and materials used to make fans communicate much, much more.Fans make ideal souvenirs, intended to be…
  2. 'I am yours': 11 Scottish posy rings

    History and cultures, Scotland

    Written by Dr Georgia Vullinghs
    Posy rings are some of the most evocative objects of love in National Museums Scotland's collections. These finger rings are named for the short inscriptions engraved on the inside of their band. 
  3. Colourful printed cotton with blue geometric print and a blue red and green selection of fruits and flowers in the centre.

    The material lives of ordinary people: rare 19th century Chinese cotton

    Fashion and textiles, History and cultures

    Written by Dr Rachel Silberstein
    When you think of historical Chinese dress, what material comes to mind? Most people would probably assume silk. But the majority of the population in Qing dynasty China (1644-1911) actually wore cotton.However, this reality is not…