David McDonald
@david-mc.bsky.social
Advocacy & public affairs manager. Passionate about Scotland’s museums & galleries, our culture, communities & place in the world.
Trustee of the Glasgow Film Theatre, Chair of the Friends of Crookston Castle.
Trustee of the Glasgow Film Theatre, Chair of the Friends of Crookston Castle.
Busy couple of days at the @cosla.gov.uk conference talking about “The Future of Localism”
Great conversations about Scotland’s 455 museums, including 127 civic museums, & the vital role they play in our communities supporting learning, wellbeing & boosting local pride and connection.
Great conversations about Scotland’s 455 museums, including 127 civic museums, & the vital role they play in our communities supporting learning, wellbeing & boosting local pride and connection.
November 14, 2025 at 12:26 PM
Busy couple of days at the @cosla.gov.uk conference talking about “The Future of Localism”
Great conversations about Scotland’s 455 museums, including 127 civic museums, & the vital role they play in our communities supporting learning, wellbeing & boosting local pride and connection.
Great conversations about Scotland’s 455 museums, including 127 civic museums, & the vital role they play in our communities supporting learning, wellbeing & boosting local pride and connection.
Amazing to be part of the geophysical survey with @crookston.bsky.social, the first full study of the site, supported by @castlestudies.bsky.social
Exciting to think we might be uncovering some of the city's history hidden deep beneath the soil.
@archscot.bsky.social @digitscotland.bsky.social
Exciting to think we might be uncovering some of the city's history hidden deep beneath the soil.
@archscot.bsky.social @digitscotland.bsky.social
August 31, 2025 at 7:41 PM
Amazing to be part of the geophysical survey with @crookston.bsky.social, the first full study of the site, supported by @castlestudies.bsky.social
Exciting to think we might be uncovering some of the city's history hidden deep beneath the soil.
@archscot.bsky.social @digitscotland.bsky.social
Exciting to think we might be uncovering some of the city's history hidden deep beneath the soil.
@archscot.bsky.social @digitscotland.bsky.social
Great day with the @museumsgalleriesscotland.org.uk team for our away day at the Stirling Smith Art Gallery & Museum. Glad to finally see the their display of items linked to R. B. Cunninghame Graham. He’s long been a hero of mine, living an extraordinary life as a writer, politician & adventurer.
August 28, 2025 at 5:06 PM
Great day with the @museumsgalleriesscotland.org.uk team for our away day at the Stirling Smith Art Gallery & Museum. Glad to finally see the their display of items linked to R. B. Cunninghame Graham. He’s long been a hero of mine, living an extraordinary life as a writer, politician & adventurer.
Glasgow turns 850 this year, thanks to William the Lion who granted burgh status in 1175 and set the foundations for the vibrant city we know today. I stopped by his burial site in the ruins of Arbroath Abbey. Next time you head off for the Glasgow Fair, remember it began with his seal of approval.
August 2, 2025 at 7:24 PM
Glasgow turns 850 this year, thanks to William the Lion who granted burgh status in 1175 and set the foundations for the vibrant city we know today. I stopped by his burial site in the ruins of Arbroath Abbey. Next time you head off for the Glasgow Fair, remember it began with his seal of approval.
Lovely to end the week with a visit to Montrose Museum for a preview of Perspectives: Collecting the World, funded by Museums Galleries Scotland.
It confronts colonial legacies, giving voice to silenced stories and encouraging us to reflect, learn, and imagine a fairer future.
It confronts colonial legacies, giving voice to silenced stories and encouraging us to reflect, learn, and imagine a fairer future.
August 1, 2025 at 6:14 PM
Lovely to end the week with a visit to Montrose Museum for a preview of Perspectives: Collecting the World, funded by Museums Galleries Scotland.
It confronts colonial legacies, giving voice to silenced stories and encouraging us to reflect, learn, and imagine a fairer future.
It confronts colonial legacies, giving voice to silenced stories and encouraging us to reflect, learn, and imagine a fairer future.
Definitely picked the perfect time to start my new role at MGS.
Today the First Minister @johnswinney.bsky.social launched Museum Futures, a £4m fund to support innovation, leadership & sustainability across Scotland’s museums.
Find out more here www.museumsgalleriesscotland.org.uk/museum-futur...
Today the First Minister @johnswinney.bsky.social launched Museum Futures, a £4m fund to support innovation, leadership & sustainability across Scotland’s museums.
Find out more here www.museumsgalleriesscotland.org.uk/museum-futur...
July 2, 2025 at 2:47 PM
Definitely picked the perfect time to start my new role at MGS.
Today the First Minister @johnswinney.bsky.social launched Museum Futures, a £4m fund to support innovation, leadership & sustainability across Scotland’s museums.
Find out more here www.museumsgalleriesscotland.org.uk/museum-futur...
Today the First Minister @johnswinney.bsky.social launched Museum Futures, a £4m fund to support innovation, leadership & sustainability across Scotland’s museums.
Find out more here www.museumsgalleriesscotland.org.uk/museum-futur...
Great to meet so many new colleagues from across the museums sector at today’s @museumsassociation.org meeting at the @hunterianglasgow.bsky.social
Plenty of thoughtful conversations and a real sense of shared purpose.
Plenty of thoughtful conversations and a real sense of shared purpose.
June 30, 2025 at 5:07 PM
Great to meet so many new colleagues from across the museums sector at today’s @museumsassociation.org meeting at the @hunterianglasgow.bsky.social
Plenty of thoughtful conversations and a real sense of shared purpose.
Plenty of thoughtful conversations and a real sense of shared purpose.
Took part in today's @crookston.bsky.social community clean up.
We had a great turnout of local neighbours, families & our volunteers… all mucking in together to look after a place that means a lot to us and that improves the Castle for everyone who visits.
We had a great turnout of local neighbours, families & our volunteers… all mucking in together to look after a place that means a lot to us and that improves the Castle for everyone who visits.
June 28, 2025 at 3:42 PM
Took part in today's @crookston.bsky.social community clean up.
We had a great turnout of local neighbours, families & our volunteers… all mucking in together to look after a place that means a lot to us and that improves the Castle for everyone who visits.
We had a great turnout of local neighbours, families & our volunteers… all mucking in together to look after a place that means a lot to us and that improves the Castle for everyone who visits.
Reposted by David McDonald
Singin' in the rain ☔️🎶
We had a brilliant afternoon at the Castle with the Voice Project Community and Youth Choirs, who didn’t let the weather dampen their enthusiasm. They sang their hearts out lifting our spirits.
Thank you to everyone who turned up, umbrellas and all.
We had a brilliant afternoon at the Castle with the Voice Project Community and Youth Choirs, who didn’t let the weather dampen their enthusiasm. They sang their hearts out lifting our spirits.
Thank you to everyone who turned up, umbrellas and all.
June 22, 2025 at 6:00 PM
Singin' in the rain ☔️🎶
We had a brilliant afternoon at the Castle with the Voice Project Community and Youth Choirs, who didn’t let the weather dampen their enthusiasm. They sang their hearts out lifting our spirits.
Thank you to everyone who turned up, umbrellas and all.
We had a brilliant afternoon at the Castle with the Voice Project Community and Youth Choirs, who didn’t let the weather dampen their enthusiasm. They sang their hearts out lifting our spirits.
Thank you to everyone who turned up, umbrellas and all.
Delighted to have joined @museumsgalleriesscotland.org.uk as Senior Advocacy and Public Affairs Manager.
It’s a real privilege to be back working to champion the value of museums and galleries
Helping tell their stories, celebrate their impact and supporting the sector to thrive.
It’s a real privilege to be back working to champion the value of museums and galleries
Helping tell their stories, celebrate their impact and supporting the sector to thrive.
June 20, 2025 at 1:10 PM
Delighted to have joined @museumsgalleriesscotland.org.uk as Senior Advocacy and Public Affairs Manager.
It’s a real privilege to be back working to champion the value of museums and galleries
Helping tell their stories, celebrate their impact and supporting the sector to thrive.
It’s a real privilege to be back working to champion the value of museums and galleries
Helping tell their stories, celebrate their impact and supporting the sector to thrive.
Thanks to all who joined our AGM; celebrating a year of projects, partnerships, & pride in our local history
If you'd like to get involved our next events are
🎶 Choirs at the Castle, 22 June
eventbrite.co.uk/e/choirs-at-th…
🧹 Community Clean Up, 28 June https://www.facebook.com/share/19SZLhw1WA/
If you'd like to get involved our next events are
🎶 Choirs at the Castle, 22 June
eventbrite.co.uk/e/choirs-at-th…
🧹 Community Clean Up, 28 June https://www.facebook.com/share/19SZLhw1WA/
June 11, 2025 at 4:58 PM
Thanks to all who joined our AGM; celebrating a year of projects, partnerships, & pride in our local history
If you'd like to get involved our next events are
🎶 Choirs at the Castle, 22 June
eventbrite.co.uk/e/choirs-at-th…
🧹 Community Clean Up, 28 June https://www.facebook.com/share/19SZLhw1WA/
If you'd like to get involved our next events are
🎶 Choirs at the Castle, 22 June
eventbrite.co.uk/e/choirs-at-th…
🧹 Community Clean Up, 28 June https://www.facebook.com/share/19SZLhw1WA/
Thanks to everyone who joined us last night to celebrate Scotland’s European connections.
There’s still time to join the Cross-Party Group on Europe ahead of our AGM next month.
If you care about Scotland’s place in Europe, sign up here
euromovescotland.org.uk/cross-party-...
There’s still time to join the Cross-Party Group on Europe ahead of our AGM next month.
If you care about Scotland’s place in Europe, sign up here
euromovescotland.org.uk/cross-party-...
May 29, 2025 at 7:13 PM
Thanks to everyone who joined us last night to celebrate Scotland’s European connections.
There’s still time to join the Cross-Party Group on Europe ahead of our AGM next month.
If you care about Scotland’s place in Europe, sign up here
euromovescotland.org.uk/cross-party-...
There’s still time to join the Cross-Party Group on Europe ahead of our AGM next month.
If you care about Scotland’s place in Europe, sign up here
euromovescotland.org.uk/cross-party-...
Huge thanks to everyone who gave up a sunny weekend to join us at the @euromovescotland.bsky.social conference at the @festivalofeurope.bsky.social
A weekend of big ideas & commitment to Scotland’s place in Europe; powered by the people who show up, speak out & keep this movement going forward.
A weekend of big ideas & commitment to Scotland’s place in Europe; powered by the people who show up, speak out & keep this movement going forward.
May 11, 2025 at 8:47 PM
Huge thanks to everyone who gave up a sunny weekend to join us at the @euromovescotland.bsky.social conference at the @festivalofeurope.bsky.social
A weekend of big ideas & commitment to Scotland’s place in Europe; powered by the people who show up, speak out & keep this movement going forward.
A weekend of big ideas & commitment to Scotland’s place in Europe; powered by the people who show up, speak out & keep this movement going forward.
Congratulations to the @festivalofeurope.bsky.social team for curating such a thoughtful & wide ranging programme; from migration to music the speakers challenged and inspired us to bring hope, humanity, and honesty back into our European conversations.
#FestivalofEuropeScotland2025
#FestivalofEuropeScotland2025
That’s a wrap for day one at the @festivalofeurope.bsky.social EMiS conference
Our Vice Chair Jo Goodburn shares highlights from a busy, inspiring day of ideas, debate, and connection.
See you tomorrow!
#FestivalofEuropeScotland2025
Our Vice Chair Jo Goodburn shares highlights from a busy, inspiring day of ideas, debate, and connection.
See you tomorrow!
#FestivalofEuropeScotland2025
May 10, 2025 at 8:43 PM
Congratulations to the @festivalofeurope.bsky.social team for curating such a thoughtful & wide ranging programme; from migration to music the speakers challenged and inspired us to bring hope, humanity, and honesty back into our European conversations.
#FestivalofEuropeScotland2025
#FestivalofEuropeScotland2025
Amazing discussions taking place Saturday/Sunday at the @festivalofeurope.bsky.social featuring @stephengethins.bsky.social
@tanjabueltmann.net
@sophiepornschlegel.bsky.social @alynsmith.bsky.social
@angusrobertson.bsky.social
@clareadamsonmsp.bsky.social
🎟 festivalofeuropescotland.org/whats-on/
@tanjabueltmann.net
@sophiepornschlegel.bsky.social @alynsmith.bsky.social
@angusrobertson.bsky.social
@clareadamsonmsp.bsky.social
🎟 festivalofeuropescotland.org/whats-on/
May 7, 2025 at 1:00 PM
Amazing discussions taking place Saturday/Sunday at the @festivalofeurope.bsky.social featuring @stephengethins.bsky.social
@tanjabueltmann.net
@sophiepornschlegel.bsky.social @alynsmith.bsky.social
@angusrobertson.bsky.social
@clareadamsonmsp.bsky.social
🎟 festivalofeuropescotland.org/whats-on/
@tanjabueltmann.net
@sophiepornschlegel.bsky.social @alynsmith.bsky.social
@angusrobertson.bsky.social
@clareadamsonmsp.bsky.social
🎟 festivalofeuropescotland.org/whats-on/
Reposted by David McDonald
Join us on May 10th for a conference exploring: what can be achieved in improving relations between the EU & Scotland/UK?
With @sandrogozi.bsky.social MEP, Prof @cbarnard.bsky.social @stephengethins.bsky.social MP
& @clareadamsonmsp.bsky.social MSP
Tickets 👇
eventbrite.co.uk/e/what-can-be-…
With @sandrogozi.bsky.social MEP, Prof @cbarnard.bsky.social @stephengethins.bsky.social MP
& @clareadamsonmsp.bsky.social MSP
Tickets 👇
eventbrite.co.uk/e/what-can-be-…
April 25, 2025 at 8:51 AM
Join us on May 10th for a conference exploring: what can be achieved in improving relations between the EU & Scotland/UK?
With @sandrogozi.bsky.social MEP, Prof @cbarnard.bsky.social @stephengethins.bsky.social MP
& @clareadamsonmsp.bsky.social MSP
Tickets 👇
eventbrite.co.uk/e/what-can-be-…
With @sandrogozi.bsky.social MEP, Prof @cbarnard.bsky.social @stephengethins.bsky.social MP
& @clareadamsonmsp.bsky.social MSP
Tickets 👇
eventbrite.co.uk/e/what-can-be-…
@support.bsky.team how can I get a response from your support team? I've sent emails without a reply. I need to talk about an account that I'm lock out of. Thanks
March 28, 2025 at 4:04 PM
@support.bsky.team how can I get a response from your support team? I've sent emails without a reply. I need to talk about an account that I'm lock out of. Thanks
As a young councillor, I was lucky to have Christina as both a constituent & a constant source of support & encouragement. She had a rare gift for lifting people up, offering guidance with warmth & a fierce belief in doing what was right.
My deepest condolences to her family.
My deepest condolences to her family.
March 27, 2025 at 12:21 PM
As a young councillor, I was lucky to have Christina as both a constituent & a constant source of support & encouragement. She had a rare gift for lifting people up, offering guidance with warmth & a fierce belief in doing what was right.
My deepest condolences to her family.
My deepest condolences to her family.
These results show that Europe is moving forward with confidence while we risk falling behind due to Brexit.
We need to be more European in our action & outlook @euromovescotland.bsky.social
can help make that happen.
Join us & be part of shaping our 🇪🇺 future euromovescotland.org.uk/join-us/
We need to be more European in our action & outlook @euromovescotland.bsky.social
can help make that happen.
Join us & be part of shaping our 🇪🇺 future euromovescotland.org.uk/join-us/
March 25, 2025 at 8:35 PM
These results show that Europe is moving forward with confidence while we risk falling behind due to Brexit.
We need to be more European in our action & outlook @euromovescotland.bsky.social
can help make that happen.
Join us & be part of shaping our 🇪🇺 future euromovescotland.org.uk/join-us/
We need to be more European in our action & outlook @euromovescotland.bsky.social
can help make that happen.
Join us & be part of shaping our 🇪🇺 future euromovescotland.org.uk/join-us/
If you missed it you can catch up with the latest euromovescotland.bsky.social webinar that I orginised on defending democracy with alexhh.bsky.social and the europarl.europa.eu Rapporteur on Ukraine michaelgahler.bsky.social here
youtu.be/Oy414sTFCCQ?...
youtu.be/Oy414sTFCCQ?...
March 21, 2025 at 11:30 AM
If you missed it you can catch up with the latest euromovescotland.bsky.social webinar that I orginised on defending democracy with alexhh.bsky.social and the europarl.europa.eu Rapporteur on Ukraine michaelgahler.bsky.social here
youtu.be/Oy414sTFCCQ?...
youtu.be/Oy414sTFCCQ?...
Darnley tree update 🌳
The City Council are assessing the health of the tree to determine next steps in the meantime they are taking cuttings to be propagated at the Botanic Gardens.
www.bbc.co.uk/news/article...
The City Council are assessing the health of the tree to determine next steps in the meantime they are taking cuttings to be propagated at the Botanic Gardens.
www.bbc.co.uk/news/article...
Historians
Historians are optimistic the ancient Darnley Sycamore, which has links to Mary Queen of Scots, can be saved.
www.bbc.co.uk
January 28, 2025 at 1:38 PM
Darnley tree update 🌳
The City Council are assessing the health of the tree to determine next steps in the meantime they are taking cuttings to be propagated at the Botanic Gardens.
www.bbc.co.uk/news/article...
The City Council are assessing the health of the tree to determine next steps in the meantime they are taking cuttings to be propagated at the Botanic Gardens.
www.bbc.co.uk/news/article...
Happy #BurnsNight
I came across this bust in Tallinn a few years ago, a reminder of Burns global influence & the values he championed.
For a’ that, an’ a’ that,
It’s comin yet for a’ that,
That Man to Man the warld o’er
Shall brithers be for a’ that.
#BurnsNight2025
I came across this bust in Tallinn a few years ago, a reminder of Burns global influence & the values he championed.
For a’ that, an’ a’ that,
It’s comin yet for a’ that,
That Man to Man the warld o’er
Shall brithers be for a’ that.
#BurnsNight2025
January 25, 2025 at 4:18 PM
Happy #BurnsNight
I came across this bust in Tallinn a few years ago, a reminder of Burns global influence & the values he championed.
For a’ that, an’ a’ that,
It’s comin yet for a’ that,
That Man to Man the warld o’er
Shall brithers be for a’ that.
#BurnsNight2025
I came across this bust in Tallinn a few years ago, a reminder of Burns global influence & the values he championed.
For a’ that, an’ a’ that,
It’s comin yet for a’ that,
That Man to Man the warld o’er
Shall brithers be for a’ that.
#BurnsNight2025
Storm Éowyn has severely damaged the old Darnley plane tree or sycamore. The tree is a symbol of the community's heritage & unity
I've reached out to the Council urging them to preserve the fallen parts for future use & to care for the remaining tree as best they can
www.scotsman.com/heritage-and...
I've reached out to the Council urging them to preserve the fallen parts for future use & to care for the remaining tree as best they can
www.scotsman.com/heritage-and...
Storm Éowyn: Ancient tree linked to Mary, Queen of Scots ripped apart by high winds
The Darnley Sycamore in Pollock has been ravaged by Storm Éowyn
www.scotsman.com
January 24, 2025 at 6:40 PM
Storm Éowyn has severely damaged the old Darnley plane tree or sycamore. The tree is a symbol of the community's heritage & unity
I've reached out to the Council urging them to preserve the fallen parts for future use & to care for the remaining tree as best they can
www.scotsman.com/heritage-and...
I've reached out to the Council urging them to preserve the fallen parts for future use & to care for the remaining tree as best they can
www.scotsman.com/heritage-and...
The Darnley Sycamore. One of the most important trees in Scotland, linked directly to Mary Queen of Scots and Lord Darnley.
As the city celebrates its 850th anniversary, hopefully @glasgowcc.bsky.social can act quickly to save and care for this local historic totem. 🌳
#StormÉowyn
As the city celebrates its 850th anniversary, hopefully @glasgowcc.bsky.social can act quickly to save and care for this local historic totem. 🌳
#StormÉowyn
January 24, 2025 at 1:26 PM
The Darnley Sycamore. One of the most important trees in Scotland, linked directly to Mary Queen of Scots and Lord Darnley.
As the city celebrates its 850th anniversary, hopefully @glasgowcc.bsky.social can act quickly to save and care for this local historic totem. 🌳
#StormÉowyn
As the city celebrates its 850th anniversary, hopefully @glasgowcc.bsky.social can act quickly to save and care for this local historic totem. 🌳
#StormÉowyn
Thanks to Volunteer Scotland for the invite to present at the Scottish Parliament’s CPG on Volunteering on behalf of Creative Lives
I loved sharing the stories of local volunteer-led creative groups & highlighting the vital role this super powered sector play in building vibrant communities.
I loved sharing the stories of local volunteer-led creative groups & highlighting the vital role this super powered sector play in building vibrant communities.
January 23, 2025 at 5:25 PM
Thanks to Volunteer Scotland for the invite to present at the Scottish Parliament’s CPG on Volunteering on behalf of Creative Lives
I loved sharing the stories of local volunteer-led creative groups & highlighting the vital role this super powered sector play in building vibrant communities.
I loved sharing the stories of local volunteer-led creative groups & highlighting the vital role this super powered sector play in building vibrant communities.