Dollar Museum has secured a major award with the announcement that it has been awarded Full Accreditation - a remarkable achievement for a small independent museum which is run entirely by volunteers.

The Friends and Trustees of the Museum have worked hard to achieve the national accreditation standards set by the Museum, Libraries and Archives Council.

The standards cover all aspects of care of the museum collection, management of the museum and exhibitions and visitor services.

Chairman of the Trust, Dennis Toon, said, “The award reflects the things Dollar Museum does well - collecting, protecting, educating and providing access to the heritage of Dollar.” Honorary Curator Janet Carolan added, “Dollar Museum is a valuable resource for people of all ages. Accreditation will help to ensure that this resource will be available for generations to come.” Established in a small rented room in 1988, the museum grew and acquired its own premises.

It has an enviable local history collection, achieves high standards in research and exhibitions, and is highly regarded for its helpful and friendly volunteers.

Visitors come from the local area, the UK and abroad, while local schools and groups make frequent use of the museum.

The museum has been recognised in the Scottish Museum of the Year Awards and a highlight was a visit from Princess Anne.

Dollar Museum has permanent exhibitions on the History of Dollar and the Devon Valley Railway.

The current temporary exhibitions are 'Old Clocks and Clockmakers’ and '100 years of Girl Guiding in Dollar and Clackmannanshire’.

Extensive local history material is available in the comfortable reading room, while children enjoy Granny’s Kitchen and the Children’s Corner and quiz.

The Museum is open each weekend from Easter to Christmas, Saturdays 11am-1pm and 2-4.30pm, and Sundays 2-4.30pm.

Entry is free and open to all. For visits outside opening times, call 01259 742895.