The nearly 40 museums and galleries of national significance in Scotland will collaborate more closely under new plans backed by £3 million of Government funds.

The National Strategy for Scotland's Museums and Galleries, to be launched today, will require galleries and museums to work closer together over the next 10 years.

The aims of the strategy are to maximise the use of the collections, strengthen connections between museums, invest in the workforce, encourage a culture of "enterprise", foster a culture of innovation and develop a global perspective.

Fiona Hyslop, the Culture Secretary, will announce today that the museum and galleries sector will receive £3.3m in grants over the next three years.

She said: "Our museums and galleries welcome around 25 million visitors every year, attracting people to all parts of Scotland and make a vital £800m contribution to the Scottish economy. We simply cannot underestimate their significant educational, social and economic value."

Museums Galleries Scotland will now be the official national development body for the museums and galleries sector in Scotland.

It will receive funds of £2.5m in 2012/13 and 2013/14 to help fulfil this role.