Scalloway Museum Achieves Full Accreditation, Acknowledging Community Efforts

The Scalloway Museum has received full accreditation from Museum Galleries Scotland (MGS), marking a significant milestone for the attraction and the local community. This accreditation, part of a UK-wide standard, signifies that the museum meets established national criteria in governance, collections care, and visitor services.

Achieving this status not only underscores the museum’s commitment to providing high-quality experiences but also highlights its sustainability and resilience. The museum is operated by the Shetland Bus Friendship Society and has played a vital role in celebrating and preserving the unique history of Scalloway and the Shetland Bus Operation since its opening in 2012.

Community Contribution Recognized

The accreditation comes shortly after the official opening of the Prince Olav Slipway, further enhancing the museum’s offerings and community engagement. Curator Laurie Goodlad expressed her enthusiasm regarding the achievement, stating, “It has been a lot of work to get to this stage, and I can’t thank the trustees of the museum enough for their support in finalizing the application.”

Goodlad emphasized the importance of the volunteers, saying, “This achievement is a real testament to the tireless work of our volunteers, trustees, and the many thousands of visitors who come through the doors each season, ensuring that Scalloway Museum not only preserves our community’s story but also shares it with visitors from around the world.”

She added, “Without our volunteers, there would quite simply be no museum in Scalloway. Accreditation is recognition of everything they make possible.” Goodlad highlighted that this recognition solidifies their commitment to maintaining the highest standards and provides a robust foundation for future endeavors.

A Bright Future Ahead

The chairman of the Shetland Bus Friendship Society, Charlie Grant, also celebrated the museum’s accreditation. He stated, “On behalf of the trustees and volunteers, we are very pleased that Laurie Goodlad, the curator of the Scalloway Museum, has achieved full accreditation for the Scalloway Museum. It comes after a lot of work done by Laurie, the trustees, and volunteers over the last year and puts the Scalloway Museum on a par with all the other museums in Scotland who are in the Museums Galleries Scotland scheme.”

Looking to the future, the Scalloway Museum plans to build on this success by further developing its exhibitions, events, and resources. The aim is to ensure that the heritage of Scalloway and the surrounding area remains accessible and engaging for generations to come.

This accreditation serves as a recognition of the hard work and dedication of everyone involved with the museum and represents a commitment to excellence in preserving the rich history of this unique community.