Collections at three museums and galleries have been awarded Recognition status by Museums Galleries Scotland (MGS) as part of a scheme to support collections of national significance.

MGS has formally recognised the industrial and associated social history collections of North Lanarkshire Council; the Charles Rennie Mackintosh collection at Glasgow School of Art and the Scottish Football Museum (SFM) at Hampden Park, Glasgow. The Recognition Scheme was established by the Scottish Government to identify and support nationally significant collections housed in the country's museums and galleries. A total of 36 collections have now received Recognition status.

Institutions that have been awarded Recognition status are also given the chance to apply for funding up to £40,000 from the Scottish Government in a bid to carry out work that improves conservation and increases public accessibility. Joanne Orr, MGS chief executive officer said: "The three latest collections to be awarded Recognition status highlight perfectly the marvellous diversity of important collections held and cared for by museums and galleries across Scotland.

"Significant chapters from Scotland's history are celebrated through these collections - representing our architectural and industrial heritage along with one of our favourite national pastimes - football." Image: Douglas Connell (Recognition committee chair) and Robert Craig (chair of the Scottish Football Museum)