Collection Returns

Surgeons' Hall Museum cares for collections with complex histories. Some material was acquired in circumstances that do not meet contemporary standards of consent, care, or ethical collecting. This includes material connected to the history of medical education, colonial collecting, global exchange, and unequal power. 

The Museum recognises that the return of collections is appropriate in some circumstances. This activity is guided by the Museum's Procedure for Collection Returns (2026) and applies to all material in the collection. 

In this context, 'return' means the permanent transfer of material from the Museum's collections following formal assessment and approval. 

Each potential return is considered on its own circumstances. The Museum works with relevant stakeholders to understand the material, its history, and its cultural, spiritual, or personal significance, as well as the circumstances in which it entered the collection. Where needed, the Museum may seek independent specialist, legal, ethical, or cultural advice. Associated documentation, such as images, scans, film, records, or correspondence, may also be considered as part of a return. 

Potential returns are reviewed by the Royal College of Surgeons of Edinburgh's Heritage Committee, which makes recommendations to the College's Trustees. Trustees are responsible for final approval and must ensure that decisions are lawful, ethical, transparent, and aligned with the College's charitable purposes. 

Return is not always the outcome sought by individuals or communities. In some cases, dialogue, collaboration, shared authority, changes to care, interpretation, access, or the development of ongoing relationships may be more appropriate. The Museum recognises these as meaningful outcomes and is committed to working in good faith, with care, respect, and openness. 

The Museum recognises that returns are not endpoints. They are part of an ongoing process of dialogue, relationship building, and mutual learning. 

Completed returns will be recorded and, where appropriate, shared through an annual online summary, subject to any privacy, cultural, or confidentiality considerations. 

For more information, please read the Museum’s Procedure for Return from the Collections (2026).  

To discuss a potential return, please contact museum@rcsed.ac.uk.