Museums Galleries Scotland’s (MGS) move to become a national development body was approved by its members last month. The vote means MGS will become an independent charitable trust supported by the Scottish government.
MGS was forced to abandon a vote on its new constitution at its AGM last month after member museums raised objections to planned changes, including tiered subscription rates and a self-elected board. But at the reconvened meeting on 22 May a vote to change the body’s constitution was passed by 82%.
Fiona Ballantyne, chairwoman of MGS, said: “There is much work to be done and we will be looking at the issues that the sector has raised in the past weeks. However, the vote means that we can move things forward together.”
A series of roadshows will be held over the summer to develop the national strategy delivery plan. Details of the new governance structure are expected this month.
Rowan Brown, director of the National Mining Museum Scotland and a Museums Association (MA) board member, welcomed the fact a consensus had been reached: “It has been a difficult process and there have been lessons learnt.
"I wish MGS success and look forward to consulting with it on its policy and the delivery of the national strategy.”
Mark Taylor, director of the MA, said: “It’s good that a breakthrough has been made because there was clearly no plan B. What is important now isn’t structures but that the strategy is implemented.”
MGS was forced to abandon a vote on its new constitution at its AGM last month after member museums raised objections to planned changes, including tiered subscription rates and a self-elected board. But at the reconvened meeting on 22 May a vote to change the body’s constitution was passed by 82%.
Fiona Ballantyne, chairwoman of MGS, said: “There is much work to be done and we will be looking at the issues that the sector has raised in the past weeks. However, the vote means that we can move things forward together.”
A series of roadshows will be held over the summer to develop the national strategy delivery plan. Details of the new governance structure are expected this month.
Rowan Brown, director of the National Mining Museum Scotland and a Museums Association (MA) board member, welcomed the fact a consensus had been reached: “It has been a difficult process and there have been lessons learnt.
"I wish MGS success and look forward to consulting with it on its policy and the delivery of the national strategy.”
Mark Taylor, director of the MA, said: “It’s good that a breakthrough has been made because there was clearly no plan B. What is important now isn’t structures but that the strategy is implemented.”
