The University of Aberdeen has welcomed news that its entire museum collection has been deemed a Recognised Collection of National Significance.
The accolade for the University, and six other collections across Scotland, was announced today (Friday 19 October) by Scotland's Minister for Culture Linda Fabiani.
She said: "We have an array of wonderful collections in our museums and galleries across Scotland – and it's important that we recognise this. I am pleased to see the Recognition Scheme adding another seven collections which will now be deemed 'nationally significant' and I hope will attract many more visitors."
The aim of the Recognition Scheme, which is managed by the Scottish Museums Council, is to help ensure that the nation's most important collections are identified, cared for, protected, and promoted to a wider audience.
Dr Alan Knox, Head of the University's Historic Collections, emphasised how closely this matches the University's own commitment.
"We welcome this announcement, and the benefit it will bring in terms of raising the profile of our collections, and stimulating additional investment.
"Through the Recognition Scheme, the Scottish Government has now formally acknowledged that there are collections of great importance to the nation outside the care of the big national institutions.
"Recognition is hugely significant for us," added Dr Knox. "We are an ancient university with a distinguished history, and our seven museums offer astonishing depth and richness, covering a broad range of scientific and cultural diversity.
"Our collections are the sixth largest in the country, and every one is of national or international importance. We have unique opportunities to use these for teaching and research, and to engage the wider public."
Professor Christopher Gane, Vice Principal (Library and Information Services), University of Aberdeen, stressed the importance of Recognition for the University's cultural leadership of the region.
He said: "We are immensely proud of the outstanding quality and variety of our collections, and are delighted that they have been officially Recognised as being of national importance.
"We are committed to enhancing the cultural strengths and activities of the region within a national - and an international, context, and to widening opportunities for all to enjoy, and be inspired by, the treasures in our keeping."
The University's museums and collections include:
Marischal Museum – human culture, from Scotland and around the world, including the University's art collection
Zoology Museum – comprehensive representation of the diversity of animals worldwide
Anatomy Museum – a collection of preserved specimens and important anatomical drawings
Geological Collections – with notable strengths in palaeontology and Scottish rocks and minerals, may of which can no longer be collected today
Herbarium – particularly rich in material from Britain/Scotland and Thailand
Natural Philosophy Collection of Scientific Instruments – 18th century demonstration equipment through to pioneering modern instruments
Pathology and Forensic Medicine – a unique record of 20th century disease and evidence of criminal activity
Further information about all the collections is available on the museums website at: www.abdn.ac.uk/museums