LM Bruce

Lisa Bruce writes on Scotland’s civic, cultural and public life, with particular attention to power and the structures shaping Scotland.

Featured·Heritage and Arts

Scottish Government Opens Consultation On National Performing Company For Traditional Music

The Scottish Government has begun consultation work on a new National Performing Company for traditional music. The proposed body would become Scotland’s sixth National Performing Company, joining the National Theatre of Scotland, Scottish Opera, Scottish Ballet, the Royal Scottish National Orchestra and the Scottish

75274008 the peoples palace museum on glasgow green

Heritage and Arts

People’s Palace Refurbishment Moves Forward With Conditional Scottish Government Support

The Scottish Government has announced up to £14 million in conditional support for the refurbishment of the People’s Palace and Winter Gardens in Glasgow. The museum closed to the public in 2024. Glasgow City Council and Glasgow Life are expected to submit a final

57629656 five stacks of gold coins against flag of scotland forming rising chart

Scotland’s Onshore Economy Grew By 0.7 Per Cent In The Second Quarter Of 2026

Scotland’s onshore GDP grew by 0.7 per cent in real terms between April and June 2026,

GoFibre celebrates 1000 customers in Eyemouth 2

More Than 1,000 Customers Connected to GoFibre Network Around Eyemouth

A broadband company founded in the Scottish Borders has passed 1,000 customer connections around Eyemouth, less

Detail of the fountain in the inner courtyard of Linlithgow Palace Scotland

Scotland, Rebuilt: What 81 Years of Progress Did, and Did Not, Solve

The Scotland that emerged from the Second World War faced a housing shortage measured in hundreds

23140108 the portrait of sheep farming outdoor

Economy·Featured

Bluetongue Reaches Four Scottish Premises as Vaccine Evidence Sharpens the Questions Ahead

Five animals on four premises in Dumfries and Galloway have now been affected by BTV-3. As investigators establish whether Scotland is dealing

by LM Bruce

17 August 2026

Caption: The Hill House in Helensburgh, designed by Charles Rennie Mackintosh, stands beneath the protective Hill House Box, which has sheltered the building from rain while its

Featured·Heritage and Arts

Mackintosh’s Hill House Moves Towards New ‘Breathable’ Exterior After 120 Years of Damp

The National Trust for Scotland is commissioning a detailed survey of Charles Rennie Mackintosh’s Hill House as it prepares to replace the

by LM Bruce

17 August 2026

Featured·Heritage and Arts·Na h-Eileanan Siar·Scottish History Ledger

The Men Who Came to Take Lewis

In 1598, James VI granted a group of Lowland landowners sweeping rights over Lewis. They came with soldiers, craftsmen and plans for

by LM Bruce

13 August 2026

Wick — Royal Bank of Scotland, 1 Bridge Street The former Royal Bank of Scotland at 1 Bridge Street, Wick, a monumental stone banking building whose clock tower still dominates the

Economy·Featured

A Country Without Tellers: How Scotland Lost Its Banks

In little more than a decade, Scotland has watched a familiar piece of civic life disappear from hundreds of communities. The story

by LM Bruce

13 August 2026

An artistic reconstruction of Bessie Bell and Mary Gray standing beside the simple woodland bower associated with their story, near a river in seventeenth century Perthshire during

Featured·Heritage and Arts·Perth and Kinross·Scottish History Ledger

Bessie Bell And Mary Gray: The Evidence Behind Perthshire’s Plague Ballad

FIRST PUBLISHED IN 2015 For centuries, Bessie Bell and Mary Gray have been remembered as two young Perthshire women who tried to

by LM Bruce

11 August 2026

CGI showing the proposed Dunfermline Northern Link Road, which will be delivered in phases and includes a bridge over the Fife Circle railway line. Image credit: Fife Council /

Featured·Fife·Infrastructure·Scottish News

Dunfermline’s Northern Link Road Moves Towards Planning As £70m Road Programme Takes Shape

Fife Council is preparing to seek planning permission for the first council-led section of a new strategic road across the north of

by LM Bruce

11 August 2026

Environment·Featured

Scottish Government Said Wind-Farm Woodland Loss Was ‘Small’. FLS Says It Cannot Calculate It

Forestry and Land Scotland has disclosed the individual developments associated with more than 8,600 hectares of forestry felling on Scotland’s national estate,

by LM Bruce

10 August 2026

Environment

Scotland Delays Its Private-Jet Levy While Empty Private Jets Remain Beyond Reach

Ministers say private-jet users should pay a fair share because their emissions per passenger are disproportionately high. Yet Scotland’s additional levy will

by LM Bruce

6 August 2026

64441902 dover united kingdom september 14 2021 aerial panoramic view of busy dover port terminal

Featured·Transport

War Exposes Scotland’s Dependence On English Supply Routes

Scotland has avoided a sustained nationwide shortage of fuel, food or essential goods. Yet 21.1 million tonnes entered the country by road

by LM Bruce

6 August 2026

William Home Lizars’ comparative view of Scotland’s principal rivers, published by John Thomson in the early nineteenth century. The rivers are arranged by reported length rather than geographical position.

Featured·Heritage and Arts

Scotland’s Rivers In 1831: What A Remarkable Atlas Reveals About Two Centuries Of Change

A hand-coloured chart published nearly two centuries ago attempted to place Scotland’s great rivers side by side. The Tay still stands at

by LM Bruce

5 August 2026

Featured·Policy and Government

Scotland’s Elected Representatives, Counted: 1,407 Names Across Councils, Holyrood and Westminster

Modern Scot assembled the current official details of Scotland’s serving councillors, MSPs and MPs. The directory contains 1,407 elected representatives: 1,221 councillors,

by LM Bruce

5 August 2026

Economy·Highland

Highland Councillors Back New Controls On Holiday Lets

Councillors in Wester Ross, Strathpeffer and Lochalsh have backed plans that could require planning permission before more permanent homes are converted into

by LM Bruce

3 August 2026

56149774 a housewife washes dishes in the kitchen in the sink by the window

Featured·Infrastructure

The Two Water Systems Of Scotland

Thousands of people in rural Scotland rely on private water supplies, but ministers have never assessed how their costs and responsibilities compare

by LM Bruce

3 August 2026

Argyll and Bute·Featured·Policy and Government

The Children Who Leave Mull For School — And The Local Answer Scotland Has Not Yet Tested

Almost one in five secondary-age pupils across Mull, Iona and Ulva attend school on the mainland. Many live in an Oban hostel

by LM Bruce

27 July 2026

Charred eggshell fragments lie on burned ground at Abernethy following the July 2026 | Credit: RSPB Scotland

Environment·Featured·Highland

What Will Happen To The Animals Caught In The Cairngorms Wildfire?

Some will have escaped. Others could not. As firefighters continue working across Glenmore and Abernethy, the true cost to wildlife remains hidden

by LM Bruce

27 July 2026

Environment·Featured·Highland

Cairngorms Wildfire Declared Major Incident As Nethy Bridge Is Evacuated

An entire Highland village has been evacuated after strengthening winds drove a long-running wildfire towards Nethy Bridge, turning an operation that had

by LM Bruce

25 July 2026

Community·Glasgow City

George Square Reopening Delayed

Families will be invited into traffic-free streets around George Square in early September as Glasgow marks the reopening of the western section

by LM Bruce

22 July 2026

Highland·Transport

Corran Ferry Infrastructure Works Move into Marine Phase

Construction work on the £30 million Corran Ferry Infrastructure Improvement Scheme has moved into its main marine phase, five months after work

by LM Bruce

20 July 2026

Aberdeen Arts Centre has raised almost £88k in six weeks towards its three year target

Aberdeen City·Community·Featured·Scottish News

Performers Rally Behind Aberdeen Arts Centre

More than 100 performers from across north-east Scotland will take part in two fundraising shows this autumn as Aberdeen Arts Centre continues

by LM Bruce

20 July 2026

Featured·Highland·Infrastructure

SaxaVord Reaches Launch Point

SaxaVord has reached a pivotal launch point, prompting Unst to critically assess the potential gains, restrictions, and risks associated with the ambitious

by LM Bruce

17 July 2026

Featured·Policy and Government·Scottish News

Amendment Would Criminalise Gaelic Language

A proposal submitted at Westminster would allow election publications only in English or Welsh. Gaelic is neither named nor protected. If adopted,

by LM Bruce

14 July 2026

Community·Featured·Glasgow City·Scottish News

Glasgow’s Anger Did Not Begin With an Online Rumour

A 16-year-old girl was seriously sexually assaulted in Springburn Park on the evening of 26 June. Police Scotland later arrested and charged

by LM Bruce

13 July 2026

Aberdeen City·Economy·Featured·Scottish News

Aberdeen’s Oldest Bartender-Owned Spirits Brand Launches Vermouth

Aberdeen is not usually the first Scottish city people associate with spirits. Its modern image is more often built around granite and

by LM Bruce

8 July 2026

From left: Tom Croy, Investment Director, PXN Ventures; Graham McDonald, Chairman, VASO Global; Eddie Black, Co Founder and Managing Director, VASO Global; and Simon Parrish, Chief

Dumfries and Galloway·Economy·Featured·Scottish News

Waste Glass and New Homes: The Dumfries Firm Testing Scotland’s Housing Economy

Waste Glass and New Homes: The Dumfries Firm Testing Scotland’s Housing Economy A Dumfries-based construction business has secured more than £5m in

by LM Bruce

7 July 2026

Featured·Policy and Government·Scottish News

Foreign Influence, Scottish Democracy And Hunting For BlackCore

French authorities say a private Israeli-linked influence firm targeted John Swinney, the SNP and the Scottish Government during Scotland’s election campaign. The

by LM Bruce

12 June 2026

Community·Featured·Scottish News

Scottish Children Sing Their Support As National Team Returns To World Cup Stage

More than 2,000 school pupils from across Scotland have taken part in a new video performance of We’re the Land of Scots.

by LM Bruce

12 June 2026

Aberdeen City·Community·Featured·Scottish News

Parents Warned After Counterfeit Squishy Toys Seized In Aberdeen

Trading Standards officers in Aberdeen have warned parents and businesses after counterfeit and potentially unsafe squishy toys were seized from shops in

by LM Bruce

10 June 2026

49195098 the problem of childrens addiction to gadgets online and screen time

Featured·Policy and Government·Scottish News

Starmer Is Opening The Back Door To Britain’s Devices In The Name Of Child Safety

The UK Government says it wants to stop children taking, sharing or viewing nude images on smartphones and tablets. But Scotland should

by LM Bruce

9 June 2026

68705824 landscape wth windmills in scotland

Energy·Featured·Orkney Islands·Policy and Government·Scottish News

Scotland Was Warned. The Grid Bill Is Now Arriving.

Scotland’s electricity story is often told as a story of abundance. Wind in the North Sea. Hydro in the glens. Islands surrounded

by LM Bruce

9 June 2026

Clackmannanshire·Community·Featured·Scottish News

Coalsnaughton Crisis Puts Scotland’s Coalfield Housing Legacy Under Scrutiny

Nearly 100 homes have been evacuated in Coalsnaughton while ground movement is investigated. The cause has not yet been confirmed, but the

by LM Bruce

4 June 2026

Economy·Featured·Scottish News

Royal Bank Opens IP Lending Door for Scotland’s Creative and Tech Firms

Royal Bank of Scotland has launched a new lending product allowing high growth Scottish businesses to borrow against intellectual property. The test

by LM Bruce

3 June 2026

Jean F. Watson exhibition, City Art Centre, Edinburgh, Curator Dr Helen Scott. Relief (739) Oil on painted furnishing fabric, 2005 Louise Hopkins

City of Edinburgh·Featured·Heritage and Arts·Scottish News

Jean Fletcher Watson’s Quiet Gift Returns to View at Edinburgh’s City Art Centre

A free exhibition at the City Art Centre traces the legacy of Jean Fletcher Watson, whose donations helped shape Edinburgh’s collection of

by LM Bruce

1 June 2026

84623202 creel ppots on the quay at cullen harbour

Moray·The Dented Kettle

A Simple Cullen Skink Recipe

Cullen skink takes its name from a town on the Moray coast and from an older Scots word for soup. Made with

by LM Bruce

29 May 2026

Argyll and Bute·Environment·Highland·Na h-Eileanan Siar·North Ayrshire·Scottish News

The Rare Rainforest on Scotland’s Western Edge

Scotland’s temperate rainforest survives in fragments along the wet western edge of the country, from Argyll and Lochaber to Wester Ross, Skye

by LM Bruce

29 May 2026

51343468 a car is moving towards the exit of the tunnel

Featured·Infrastructure·Scottish News·Shetland Islands

From Ferries to Tunnels: Shetland Faces a 60-Year Choice

Shetland councillors will decide in June which long-term transport options should be taken forward for eight island communities, after new work placed

by LM Bruce

29 May 2026

Aberdeen City·Featured·Scottish News·Transport

Aberdeen’s E-Bikes Return With More Than 5,000 Early Trips

Aberdeen’s new Voi e-bike scheme has recorded more than 5,000 journeys since launching in the city, with early use averaging 7.4 trips

by LM Bruce

29 May 2026

46515422 scottish street and sky view gourock scotland

Argyll and Bute·Economy·Featured·Scottish News

First Homes Fund Will Help Some Buyers. It Will Not Fix Scotland’s Housing Shortage

Scotland’s new First Homes Fund is due to open by the end of June, offering first time buyers up to £10,000 toward

by LM Bruce

28 May 2026

Lord Smith of Kelvin holding the Commission's report

Featured·Policy and Government·Scottish News

What Was the Smith Commission, and Why Does It Matter Again?

Download the Smith Commission Report The Smith Commission was created after the 2014 No vote. It recommended more powers for Holyrood. It

by LM Bruce

27 May 2026

Featured·Policy and Government·Scottish News

Scottish Parliament Backs Call for Second Independence Referendum Powers

MSPs have voted to call on the UK Government to transfer the legal power needed for a second Scottish independence referendum. The

by LM Bruce

26 May 2026

Featured·Policy and Government·Scottish News

Scotland’s Constitutional Question is Back Before Holyrood

The First Minister’s first major programme debate of the new Parliament will ask MSPs to support a call for Westminster to devolve

by LM Bruce

22 May 2026

87969286 beautiful old traditional scottish houses

Featured·Infrastructure·Scottish News

Scotland, As the Data Finds It

A national portrait of Scotland through land, homes, people, services and power. A thousand years from now, if historians look back, they

by LM Bruce

21 May 2026

Featured·Policy and Government·Scottish News

John Swinney Returns as First Minister With Promise of Cooperation and Constitutional Purpose

John Swinney accepted the Scottish Parliament’s nomination as First Minister today with a speech that sought to combine personal humility, post election

by LM Bruce

19 May 2026

Offshore oil rig drilling platforms off the coastline near Invergordon

Energy·Featured·Scottish News

The North Sea Is Scotland’s Constitutional Test

The question is no longer whether the North Sea can return to the past. The question is whether Scotland enters the next

by LM Bruce

14 May 2026

Midlothian·Scotland, In Focus·Scottish History Ledger

Stuart Beattie Of Rosslyn Chapel

First published in 2005 Most people who say they want to change the world mean it in the broadest possible sense. Stuart

by LM Bruce

14 May 2026

Dunvegan Primary School’s FilmG entry, Màiri Mhòr nan Òran: Bana ghaisgeach Ghàidhealach, reflects the competition’s role in bringing Gaelic history and storytelling to young

Community·Highland·Scottish News

Highland Pupils Bring Gaelic Stories To Life On Screen

Schools, young filmmakers and Gaelic media students from across the Highlands have been shortlisted for FilmG 18, Scotland’s Gaelic short film competition,

by LM Bruce

12 May 2026

29493722 confident musician playing guitar with drummer

Economy·Featured·Scottish News

Scottish Musicians Appear Among Co Owners As Subvert Launches New Music Marketplace

Scottish artists are listed among the members of Subvert, a newly launched cooperative music marketplace owned by artists, labels, supporters and workers

by LM Bruce

12 May 2026

Community·East Ayrshire·Featured·Scottish News

Ayrshire Based King’s Foundation Turns To Quantum Technology In New Urban Planning Programme

The King’s Foundation has joined FormationQ in a three year programme intended to help fast growing Commonwealth towns plan more sustainably, extending

by LM Bruce

11 May 2026

Argyll and Bute·Energy·Highland·Na h-Eileanan Siar·Orkney Islands·Scottish News·Shetland Islands

Clean Heating Without Backup Leaves the Highlands Exposed

Scotland’s move to clean heating and electrification is intended to reduce emissions and modernise the energy system. But in the Highlands and

by LM Bruce

9 May 2026

Featured·Highland·Policy and Government·Scottish News

Scotland Returns the SNP, But Not the Old Political Map

The 2026 Holyrood election has returned the SNP as Scotland’s largest party, but not with the comfort of command. Beneath the headline

by LM Bruce

9 May 2026

97996610 yellow dandelions and green dandelion leaves are collected in a basket for consumption (1)

The Dented Kettle

Scotland, Remember The Dandelions

There was once a time when Scots knew exactly what a dandelion was for. Not symbolically, or poetically. Scots once understood the

by LM Bruce

8 May 2026

Aberdeenshire·Featured·Highland·Infrastructure·Moray·Scottish News

Scotland’s Energy Landscape Is Quietly Becoming Part of the Global AI Economy

For generations, Scotland’s energy story was associated with coalfields, hydroelectric dams and later the offshore oil and gas industry of the North

by LM Bruce

7 May 2026

Aberdeenshire·Scotland Image Gallery·Scotland, In Focus

Port Erroll – Cruden Bay

There are places along the Scottish coast where several different versions of the country seem to exist at once. Port Erroll is

by LM Bruce

6 May 2026

View along Glen Affric, with a bit of Loch Affric visible to right

Environment·Highland

Scotland’s Rarest Fern Returns To Glen Affric After A Victorian Obsession Nearly Erased It

Forestry and Land Scotland and the Royal Botanic Garden Edinburgh have planted 250 oblong woodsia ferns on a Highland scree slope. The

by LM Bruce

4 May 2026

Glenmorangie Harrison Ford Limited Edition

Featured·Heritage and Arts·Scottish News

Harrison Ford, Glenmorangie and the Quiet Confidence of Tain

A new Glenmorangie created with Harrison Ford has brought international attention to one of Scotland’s most graceful Highland whiskies. Yet the lasting

by LM Bruce

4 May 2026

Scotland, In Focus·The Dented Kettle

Skirret, or Crummock, the Sweet Root Scotland Forgot

Before the potato became ordinary, and before sugar became cheap, there was skirret. In Scotland it was known as crummock, a word

by LM Bruce

29 April 2026

63163512 black fruit of alexanders plant

Scotland, In Focus·The Dented Kettle

Forgotten Scottish Gardens: The Older Table

Alongside the structured discipline of the Scottish working garden, there existed in Scotland a quieter and older tradition of cultivation, one that

by LM Bruce

11 April 2026

Scotland, In Focus·The Dented Kettle

The Working Gardens of Scotland

There is a particular dignity in the working gardens of Scotland, one that has nothing to do with ornament and everything to

by LM Bruce

11 April 2026

Scotland, In Focus·The Dented Kettle

Mrs. Bruce’s Mountain Quinoa

There comes a moment when one realises that food is no longer a matter of preference but of performance. The body, when

by LM Bruce

20 February 2026

Scottish Sites We Love

Tie The Knot Scotland

There are few industries in Scotland that combine heritage, hospitality, design, fashion, tourism and local business quite as naturally as the wedding

by LM Bruce

4 October 2025