Ten collections from museums and galleries across Scotland have been identified as being of significant interest to the nation.
They are held by local authorities, independent trusts and Scotland's oldest university, St Andrews.
The pieces explore Scotland's contribution to nature, history, science, art and humanities.
They include the entire collection managed by Glasgow City Council in the Kelvingrove Museum and Art Gallery.
The ship used by Robert Falcon Scott in his voyage to Antarctica and her associated polar collection has also been recognised, along with the history of Paisley's shawl making industry.
Aberdeen Art Gallery collection
Dundee City Museum, decorative art
Whaling Collection Dundee
Jute Collection Dundee
Glasgow Museums' entire collection
Paisley Shawl Collection
Chemistry Collection University of St Andrews
Heritage Collection, St Andrews
Historic Scientific Instruments, St Andrews
The entire collection managed by Aberdeen Art Gallery & Museums has also achieved recognition as well as the fine and decorative art and the whaling collection of Dundee City Museums.
Culture Minister Linda Fabiani said: "These collections are important, not only to their local communities but to Scotland as a whole, and should be shared with as many people as possible.
"I look forward to seeing increased public access to these collections of national significance."
To achieve recognition status, the applicants had to demonstrate the uniqueness, authenticity, comprehensiveness and national value of their collection.
Joanne Orr, from the Scottish Museums Council, said: "It shows that we have important collections located all around the country.
"The recognition scheme is helping to ensure these important collections are identified, cared for, protected and promoted to a wider audience and is creating greater access to important collections."