Why Transport and Industry?

Transport and industry collections provide a vital insight into Scotland’s social and economic history.

This tangible heritage links us to the millions whose lives have been shaped by technological improvement over the past three centuries. Mining, fishing, engineering, transport, printing and manufacture have left an incredible legacy for the nation in the movement of its peoples, the shape of the landscape and Scotland’s reputation worldwide. These collections still represent the success of Scottish innovation in the field.

Many of Scotland's museums have collections relating to industry and transport. However, most of them are small, often volunteer-run, and lack both financial resources and specific expertise when it comes to looking after and interpreting these collections. Even within the local authority run museums the small numbers of staff mean that there is rarely anyone who has detailed knowledge of the needs and interpretation of industrial collections.

The STICK subject specialist network is an attempt to bring together all those with transport and industrial collections with those who possess the knowledge, skills and expertise to preserve the collections and explain their importance in Scotland's story.