A trio of Dundee attractions have been awarded full accreditation status by Museums Galleries Scotland and Arts Council England.
The McManus: Dundee’s Art Gallery & Museum, Broughty Castle Museum and The Mills Observatory were all approved by the scheme, which sets nationally agreed standards for all museums in the UK.
Museums and galleries are marked on their ability to comply with standards relating to how they are governed and managed, and how they care for and manage their collections.
The attractions also have to prove a high standard of service for users and visitors, as well as offer good facilities.
Jenny Youngson, quality assurance manager at Museums Galleries Scotland, said: “As the administrators of the accreditation scheme in Scotland, we are encouraged to see such a strong standard being maintained in Dundee.
“We hope this stamp of approval will encourage locals and visitors to discover the amazing facilities and collections on their doorsteps in the City of Discovery.”
Accreditation is regarded as one of the most innovative and effective developments in the museum sector.
It has led the way in raising museum standards in the UK, and has been used as a model and source of inspiration for similar schemes overseas.
Sally McIntosh, museum registrar at Leisure and Culture Dundee, said: “It shows that we are maintaining the high standards of museum practice for The McManus, Broughty Castle and Mills Observatory.”
It comes in a busy year for the McManus, which is celebrating 150 years in the city.
A packed programme of celebrations has been organised to mark the anniversary, including a bespoke show, Museography: Calum Colvin reflects on The McManus Collections, and an ambitious outreach project.
The People’s Story hopes to engage with citizens across the city to explore the relationship between the diverse communities of Dundee, the museum and its collections.
There will also be a weekend of celebrations for the Festival of Museums in May and the much anticipated opportunity for Dundee’s ship models to be put on permanent display.
