As an Accredited museum service, we have policies which guide collecting and, if necessary, disposal. You can find our Collections Development Policy on this website.
We collect in several ways - by donation or gift; by purchase; by transfer from another museum; or from a legacy in a will.
Once accepted, all donated objects are legally owned by South Lanarkshire Council, and are cared for according to recommended museum standards.
We collect objects which are connected with South Lanarkshire or The Cameronians (Scottish Rifles) regiment and are particularly interested in receiving objects and photographs relating to:
- leisure and health
- industry in South Lanarkshire
- costumes from any period, especially men's and children's.
- objects relating to Hamilton Palace
- objects connected to sport in South Lanarkshire.
Unfortunately, it is not possible for all our objects to be on display at any one time. However, most objects which are not on display can be made available for private research by appointment.
If you would like to offer for donation please contact Low Parks Museum on 01698 452382, giving as many details about the object as possible or email us at museumresearch@southlanarkshireleisure.co.uk
A member of the Collections team will then contact you to discuss your offer. When an offer is accepted an entry form must be completed and signed. This transfers legal ownership to South Lanarkshire Council.
If an object does not meet the requirements of our collecting policy, then we may contact you to ask if you are happy for it to instead become part of our handling collections. These are a vital part of the Museum's learning programme, as they give schools, community groups and individual children and adults a wonderful opportunity to gain direct hands-on experience with a real piece of history.
We can also offer advice if you need help identifying or caring for an object or antique. However, please note that we are not able to provide valuations.