Museum chiefs have welcomed an award of almost £5 million lottery cash towards the transformation of Scotland's top visitor attraction.

Ten new galleries are planned at the National Museum of Scotland in Edinburgh, the third stage of an £80 million "masterplan" to restore the Victorian building to its former grandeur.

The galleries, due to open in 2016, will display collections focusing on art and design and science and technology.

An early camera by photography pioneer William Henry Fox and a prosthetic "i-limb" designed by Scottish firm Touch Bionics will feature among the 3,500 objects.

Since it reopened in 2011, the refurbished National Museum of Scotland on Chambers Street has welcomed more than 5.5 million visitors, making it the most popular tourist attraction outside London.

Last year it was voted the number one museum in the UK by TripAdvisor users.

The Heritage Lottery Fund grant of £4.85 million will go towards the £14.1 million needed to complete the new galleries.

About £10 million has now been secured, including £900,000 from the Scottish Government to renew the roof of the west wing.

Dr Gordon Rintoul, director of National Museums Scotland, said: "It is terrific news that the Heritage Lottery Fund has awarded funding for the next stage in our masterplan for the National Museum of Scotland.

"It will allow us to continue the transformation of this much-loved building, significantly enhancing what is already a world-class museum for the benefit of visitors from the UK and internationally."

Earlier work on the museum saw the creation of 16 new galleries focusing on the natural world and world cultures.

The further 10 planned galleries will give space to objects not seen on permanent display for generations, museum chiefs said.

Colin McLean, head of the Heritage Lottery Fund in Scotland, said: "The recent transformation of the National Museum of Scotland has been an unprecedented success.

"Modern galleries with engaging interpretation have encouraged millions through the doors to explore the cornucopia of artefacts that lie within.

"It has thrilled visitors and benefited Edinburgh and Scotland's tourism economy.

"Thanks to the National Lottery playing public, we are delighted to be able to support the next stage in the transformation of this much-loved museum."