We're taking a fresh look at Falkirk's museum collection to make sure it continues to tell the story of our area and its people for generations to come.
Reviewing collections is a normal and important part of how museums care for the objects they hold.
Here we answer some of the questions about what the review of our Collections involve and some other questions you may have.
Where have the objects in Falkirk's museum collection come from?
Falkirk Council’s museum collection has grown over many decades and contains more than 36,000 objects.
They have come to us in many different ways, including donations from individuals and local businesses, transfers from other museums, purchases and bequests.
The way museums collect objects has changed over time. In the past, museums sometimes accepted several examples of the same type of object or collected items which had little connection to their local area.
Our approach today is much more focused. We want our collection to contain meaningful objects that help us tell the story of Falkirk, its places and its people.
Why do museum collections need to be reviewed?
Looking after a museum collection is about much more than simply putting objects into storage.
Every object needs appropriate care to preserve it for the future. This can include controlling temperature, humidity and light, using specialist storage materials, monitoring for pests and regularly checking, photographing, cataloguing and researching objects.
Different materials also need different types of care. What is right for an archaeological object, for example, may not be suitable for a piece of furniture or clothing. Regularly reviewing collections is therefore an important part of responsible museum management. It helps us understand what we have, how objects relate to Falkirk and where our resources can make the greatest difference.
Why are you reviewing the collection now?
Our current museum store is due to close because the building is in a poor state of repair and is reaching the end of its useful life.
This makes now a sensible time to carry out a detailed review of the collection before objects are moved to new storage.
However, the review is not simply happening because the building is closing. Reviewing collections is a normal part of good museum management and is something we had already planned as part of our wider approach to caring for Falkirk's collection.
There is no target for reducing the size of the collection. The focus is on understanding what we have and making sure the collection remains meaningful and relevant to the people of Falkirk.
What are you looking for when you review an object?
Our museum professionals will look carefully at objects and the stories behind them.
This includes considering their connection to Falkirk and its people, their historical significance, their condition and whether similar examples already exist within the collection.
We'll also look at how objects could help us tell Falkirk's story now and in the future.
The review will help us identify the important objects and stories already represented in the collection, as well as any gaps where we may want to collect new objects in future.
What happens to objects that don't have a strong connection to Falkirk?
Every object will be carefully considered and no decisions will be taken lightly.
Where an object has little or no connection to Falkirk, we will consider whether it may be more relevant to another museum or collection. Where appropriate, we will look for opportunities to transfer it to another accredited museum where it can continue to be cared for and enjoyed.
There may also be a small number of objects which have deteriorated beyond repair or which can no longer be safely cared for. These will be considered individually and dealt with in line with professional museum guidance.
The aim throughout is to make Falkirk's collection stronger and ensure our available space and resources are focused on objects that have meaningful stories to tell.
Does this mean you are reducing the size of the collection?
No. There is no target to reduce the collection by a particular number or percentage.
The purpose of The Future of Falkirk's Past collections review project is to make sure we have a strong and meaningful collection that reflects Falkirk and can continue to develop.
Falkirk's story is still being written. Making the best use of our museum storage also gives us the opportunity to collect objects from more recent history and from our communities today, so future generations can understand the Falkirk we live in now.
How will decisions be made?
We have developed a clear process and criteria for reviewing the collection, based on nationally recognised museum standards.
The team will research objects carefully and consider them against these agreed criteria.
The process follows Collections Trust, Museums Galleries Scotland and Museums Association guidance, as well as the Museums Association Code of Ethics. We are also working with museum and heritage professionals to ensure the review reflects good practice across the sector.
Who will be involved?
The review will be overseen by a panel which includes collections staff, a member of the Sport, Leisure and Culture senior management team and people from national sector bodies.
The panel will follow the agreed process approved by councillors in May 2025, with decisions informed by research into the objects being considered. Working with other museums and heritage organisations will also help us understand how objects in Falkirk's collection fit into the wider story of Scotland.
What happens if I donated something to the museum?
Many objects that have been donated to the museum will remain part of the collection.
If a donated object is being considered as part of the review and the original donation agreement requires us to contact the donor, we will do so in line with that agreement.
Not hearing from us does not mean your donation has been overlooked. It may simply mean that the object is continuing to form part of Falkirk's museum collection.
Can local people and heritage groups get involved?
Yes. Local knowledge is an important part of understanding Falkirk's history.
We know our local heritage organisations, community groups and residents have knowledge and interests covering many different parts of Falkirk's story.
You can register your interest to receive updates about the project and opportunities to find out more about the collection.
We will also hold opportunities for people to talk to us about the collection and the stories that matter to Falkirk's communities.
Are Falkirk's archives included in the review?
No. This review covers the museum collection - the three-dimensional objects in our care.
Falkirk's archives, based at Callendar House, include our paper and photographic collections and are managed under different professional standards and guidance.
However, the archives will play an important part in our research. Many museum objects have related documents, photographs or other records in the archives which can help us understand their history and significance.
What is the overall aim of The Future of Falkirk's Past project?
We want Falkirk's museum collection to continue to tell the story of our area for generations to come.
That means caring for the important objects we already hold, understanding the stories behind them and making sure we have room to collect the objects and stories that will represent Falkirk in the future.
