‘Silver for Scotland: the Millennium Collection for Bute House’ at the McLellan Galleries in Glasgow showcases one the most exciting collections of contemporary ‘working silver’.

The Collection was commissioned by the Incorporation of Goldsmiths of the City of Edinburgh to coincide with the return to Scotland of a Scottish Parliament after 300 years and is cared for by the Scottish Goldsmiths Trust.  Each piece bears the special commemorative Millennium hallmark which could only be applied during the years 1999 and 2000.

It is on permanent loan for use in Bute House, the official Edinburgh residence of the First Minister, where it promotes the quality of Scottish craftsmanship to visiting Heads of State, political leaders and guests from around the world.

The Collection – including claret jugs, candlesticks and cutlery - was made by fifteen of Scotland’s top silversmiths :  Malcolm Appleby, Gordon Burnett, Sarah Cave, John Creed, Maureen Edgar, Adrian Hope, Marion Kane, William Kirk, Michael Lloyd, Helen Marriott, Grant McCaig , Roger Millar, Linda Robertson, Graham Stewart and Nicola Williams.

When not on official duty, the Collection travels the world promoting Scotland’s design and craft skills.  It was exhibited in Paris last year and from 1 October to 20 November this year it is the star attraction at ‘The Lion's Roar - A Dynamic Collection of Scottish Silver’ taking place at Hergetova Cihelna, just off Charles Bridge in Prague.
  
The exhibition in Scotland is on from the 9 July until 29 August at the McLellan Galleries, 270 Sauchiehall Street, Glasgow G2 3EH (0141 565 4137).  Opening hours are Monday to Thursday and Saturday 10am to 5pm, Friday and Sunday 11am to 5pm.  Admission is free.