MAJOR museums and galleries in the US, Europe, the Middle East and Asia are likely to display the treasures of Glasgow's Burrell Collection - one of the finest art collections in the UK - after politicians backed a major change to Sir William Burrell's bequest.

MSPs have unanimously agreed the Burrell Collection (Lending and Borrowing) (Scotland) Bill should go ahead.

The private Bill brought by Glasgow City Council alters the strict rules governing the artefacts laid down in the shipping magnate and philantrophist's original legacy.

Cultural jewels from the Burrell, which are also likely to be shown at the British Museum in London, are to tour abroad while the museum in Pollok Park undergoes a major refurbishment.

Sir William, who died in 1958, collected almost 9000 items reflecting his passion for art and history and donated the collection to his home city of Glasgow, but was concerned about the safety of shipping his collection overseas and banned foreign loans.

The museum, which a special parliament committee said was in a "regrettable condition", needs significant upgrades which will lead to it closing for four years, likely to be between 2016 and 2020, in an estimated £45 million redevelopment.

Last year, a report published by the committee said "the time has come to allow the collection to be seen by a wider audience," and recommended that the general principles of the Bill be agreed to.

The Bill, now passed by parliament, is expected to receive Royal Assent within weeks.

It also allows for inward loans to be shown alongside some of the Burrell's treasures, allowing great works, which may have been previously part of a set, to be seen together for the first time.

Councillor Archie Graham, the Depute Leader of Glasgow City Council and chairman of Glasgow Life, said: "This marks the beginning of a new chapter for the Burrell Collection.

"We now have the opportunity to share some of Sir William's outstanding vision with an international audience for the first time.

"Glasgow is Scotland's cultural powerhouse and The Burrell Collection is undoubtedly the jewel in our crown."

He added: "While we take forward proposals to fully refurbish and redisplay the gallery in Pollok Park, we will be able to share some of these treasures with the world and increase the international reputation not only of Sir William's great gift, but of the city he called home."

Glasgow Life said that the museum building, which opened in 1983, while "architecturally distinguished", is now "presenting significant problems and barriers to access in some areas."

The tour of artworks would, they said, " reaffirm the Collection's international status while helping with public fundraising efforts toward the cost of refurbishment".

The Burrell Collection (Lending and Borrowing) Bill Committee which considered the Bill, however, noted that it was "not fully convinced" the tour would raise as much as £15m for the redevelopment.

Sir Angus Grossart, chairman of Burrell Renaissance, said: "We are delighted with this formal confirmation and with the strong support which we have received in the great challenge which we have set."

Now the Burrell Renaissance group will advise on the "strategic direction of the refurbishment project and provide advice on key aspects of the redisplay and a programme of international touring while the building is closed for refurbishment."

It will also support fundraising for the project and talks will begin with major institutions across the world about potential shows.

Its members include Lord John Kerr, former Head of the Foreign and Commonwealth Office and UK Ambassador to the United States and Sir Peter Huchison, chairman of the Burrell Trustees.

Dr Neil McGregor, director of the British Museum is a special adviser to Burrell Renaissance.

The collection includes a notable cache of Chinese art, as well as Late Gothic and Early Renaissance works of art from Northern Europe, including tapestries, stained glass, sculpture and furniture.

Burrell also left a significant collection of French art.