The Scottish budget is on the horizon, and the First Minister says he wants to “create the conditions for every person in Scotland to thrive”.

One of the best ways of doing so would be to bolster the country’s museums and galleries. We have over 450 in Scotland, and most are run by charities. They are much-loved by the communities they serve, not to mention the international visitors they bring.

Some of the museums and galleries are enjoying a surge in footfall higher than before the pandemic, and many are blazing a trail. For example, Perth Museum recently won a Championing Social Justice award for its exhibition, Unicorn, exploring Scotland’s national animal as an LGBTQ+ symbol.

Dundonald Castle and Visitor Centre earned a Celebrating Thriving Communities award due to its community-driven visitor experience. And the Trimontium Museum in Melrose landed an Inclusive Tourism Award, recognising its immersive and accessible approach.

But below the surface the sector’s finances are cracking.

According to the latest survey, most museum and gallery organisations have faced a real-terms decrease in funding, while also experiencing a rise in their outgoings. The proportion reporting financial reserves of less than four months has risen, and 11% of respondents feel their organisation is at risk of closure in the next 12 months. Many local authorities are considering reductions in museum services.

A consequence of deteriorating finances is a shift in roles, with front-of-house jobs taking priority, while curatorial, education and engagement roles are being lost. This means we are losing the ability to care for and share the stories of the artefacts and artworks we hold for the people of Scotland.

Museums deliver so much for our society. Research shows that they support better educational outcomes, with visits to museums leading to improved attainment, better understanding of curriculum subjects, and improved examination grades.

(Image: Dundonald Castle)

Children and young people from disadvantaged areas benefit most. Their confidence improves, as do their social and communication skills. Museums also help teachers feel more confident about finding creative ways to deliver the curriculum.

Research also shows that visits to museums result in reduced stress and anxiety, reduced isolation and can even help ease chronic pain. Museums are known to improve outcomes for people with dementia and their carers.

Museums and galleries also deliver for the economy. The spending impacts of visits is estimated at £900million a year.

Despite being assets, museums and galleries are at a disadvantage as they can’t access capital funding and are limited in access to grant funding. The UK Government decision to increase employers’ national insurance contributions will add new pressure.

Closures would risk local cultural and visitor ecosystems, as the loss of one asset often has a knock-on effect throughout the community.

Opinion polling tells us the public’s biggest worries continue to be healthcare and the cost of living. Given the positive impacts museums and galleries have on public health, as well as providing free or low-cost access to learning and enjoyment, MSPs of all parties should be looking for a Scottish budget that invests in culture and heritage.

Lucy Casot is chief executive of Museums Galleries Scotland, the national development body for the sector