National Lottery to help pay for new home for 130,000 Scottish art treasures

The new collection centre and archive attraction will become home to more than 130,000 works of art spanning more than 700 years.

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 The Art Works will also operate as a new visitor attraction at the heart of the £1.3 billion regeneration of the Granton area, allowing the public to see conservation work in action.

The National Lottery Heritage Fund said its support would help secure the future of “one of the greatest art collections in the world” for future generations.

The Art Works project being pursued by the National Galleries of Scotland is earmarked for a 60-acre site on Edinburgh’s waterfront. (Image: McAslan & Partners)

Its backing has been secured months after the Scottish Government agreed to put £56 million into the project.

The project had previously been in limbo since the National Galleries secured planning permission in October 2023 due to a lack of confirmed funding.

Work on The Art Works collection centre and archive attraction on Edinburgh’s waterfront is expected to get underway within months. (Image: McAslan & Partners)

The new complex will bring works of art which are currently not on display under the one roof for the first time and replace a number of other buildings which are said to be “over capacity and not fit for purpose”.

The National Galleries said The Art Works will “future proof” how Scotland’s national art collection is cared for, while opening it up to full public access for the first time.

The National Lottery Heritage Fund has agreed to support the creation of a new collection centre and archive attraction for the National Galleries of Scotland in Edinburgh. (Image: McAslan & Partners)

The Art Works is the latest in a series of cultural projects in Edinburgh to win the backing of the National Lottery Heritage Fund.

Others include the refurbishment of the King’s Theatre, which has just been completed, the planned transformation of the former Royal High School on Calton Hill into a National Centre for Music and an overhaul of Leith Theatre to allow it to reopen permanently for the first time in more than 40 years.

Eilish McGuinness, chief executive of the National Lottery Heritage Fund, said: “The Art Works is an exciting project which will ensure that this world class collection is not only protected but also shared in unique ways, by opening up public access and supporting a co-design approach with local communities in north Edinburgh.

“This will foster creative learning, skills development, employment, and partnerships, while contributing to cultural regeneration and local pride. It will also use digital technology to make Scotland’s artworks more accessible for everyone, wherever they live. 

“We are delighted to support this transformational project made possible by National Lottery players, which will ensure this outstanding collection is protected, shared and understood.”

Anne Lyden, director-general of the National Galleries, said: “This investment from The National Lottery Heritage Fund is a hugely significant moment for the future of Scotland’s national art collection.

“The majority of Scotland’s art has been hidden from view for far too long. The Art Works will change that, protecting more than 130,000 artworks while making them more accessible than ever before.

“We are very grateful to The National Lottery Heritage Fund and to National Lottery players for this incredibly generous funding.

“Their support brings us closer to increasing access to art, and all the benefits that brings, while creating a welcoming new space with opportunities for communities in north Edinburgh, across Scotland and beyond.”

Scottish culture secretary Màiri McAllan said: “I welcome the National Lottery Heritage Fund’s support for this critical and nationally significant project.

“Not only will The Art Works make Scotland’s art treasures more accessible, it will enhance the wider regeneration of Granton.

“Art and culture can transform lives, improve wellbeing, strengthen relationships and create a distinct sense of belonging.

“That’s why the Scottish Government strongly supports our cultural sector and has committed almost £56 million to this seminal development, on top of millions allocated to Granton regeneration projects over the last five years.”