The Museums, Libraries and Archives Council (MLA) has announced the accreditation of 12 heritage facilities in Aberdeenshire, Scotland.

Eleven museums were among those to receive MLA recognition, as well as the headquarters of Aberdeenshire Heritage, the council body responsible for operating each of the sites.

The MLA also awarded commendations to both the Education Resource Centre at the museum service's HQ and the wide range of information and publications that is available at each museum.

Aberdeenshire Heritage's acting senior museums and heritage officer, Claire Petty, said: "Aberdeenshire was the first local authority in Scotland to establish an online catalogue using the ADLiB collections management system, and the commendation from MLA confirms the national recognition received for the dedicated work of the council's curatorial team."

The accreditation will allow Aberdeenshire Heritage to continue to be eligible for for project grant-aid from a number of bodies, including the Heritage Lottery Fund.