iiinova — where your digital self keeps evolving

David McDonald @david-mc.bsky.social · 22/06/2026

Great to visit Aberdeen Treasure Hub with @jackiedunbarsnp.bsky.social MSP & get a glimpse behind the scenes at the incredible work that goes into caring for collections, huge thanks to the team for sharing their knowledge with us. @museumsgalleriesscotland.org.uk

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David McDonald @david-mc.bsky.social · 19/06/2026

What a treat this was, helping to see off the world's oldest football as it makes its way to Miami for the Scotland v Brazil match. Congratulations to @smithmuseum.bsky.social team for sharing this extraordinary piece of footballing history with the world. @museumsgalleriesscotland.org.uk

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David McDonald @david-mc.bsky.social · 18/05/2026

Happy International Museum Day! I spent it in my favorite part of any Museum, the store! This time at OnFife viewing their Linoleum Collection, 1 of 5 newly recognised collections of national significance announced today by MGS. www.museumsgalleriesscotland.org.uk/news/5-scott...

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David McDonald @david-mc.bsky.social · 07/05/2026

Today is #PollingDay. There’s an old saying that decisions are taken by the people who turn up. So have your say. Use your #vote 🗳

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David McDonald @david-mc.bsky.social · 17/04/2026

Home from my first @icomuk.bsky.social Conference in Oxford exploring the role of museums in diplomacy. A timely reminder of the vital civic and convening role museums can play, something we are highlighting through our election advocacy campaign www.museumsgalleriesscotland.org.uk/election2026

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David McDonald @david-mc.bsky.social · 08/03/2026

Thanks to @glasgowfilmfest.bsky.social for the invite to the closing gala screening of California Schemin’, directed by James McAvoy. A fitting end to the festival that promotes cinema for all as he spoke about the need for more stories reflecting working class lives, to reach the big screen #GFF26

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David McDonald @david-mc.bsky.social · 06/03/2026

Rounding off the week witha blog on the stories of #StrategySymposium2026 from the behind the scenes work that keeps museums going, to stories told through exhibitions, each reminds us that museums are places where new stories are created every day www.museumsgalleriesscotland.org.uk/blog-article...

museumsgalleriesscotland.org.uk

Strategy Symposium 2026: Shared stories and futures - Museums Galleries Scotland

From sector resilience and political discussion to anti-oppression and climate action, our Advocacy Manager David McDonald shares the key takeaways from the panels and workshops held at Scotland's Mus...

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David McDonald @david-mc.bsky.social · 05/03/2026

Conversations like these feed into our advocacy work at @museumsgalleriesscotland.org.uk helping demonstrate how museums care for both their collections and communities across the country. Add your voice to the campaign here museumsgalleriesscotland.org.uk/election2026 #MuseumsMatter

museumsgalleriesscotland.org.uk

Museums: Scotland's Stories, Scotland's Future

Our campaign for the 2026 Scottish elections calls for political parties to recognise museums and galleries as essential civic institutions.

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David McDonald @david-mc.bsky.social · 05/03/2026

Yesterdays Museums & Galleries Strategy Symposium was such a valuable day of learning & making connections. Thanks to all who attended especially our panel of politicans @clareadamsonmsp.bsky.social @neilbibby.bsky.social @jhalcrojohnston.bsky.social @patrickharvie.bsky.social

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David McDonald @david-mc.bsky.social · 27/01/2026

We've been on the road, from a snow covered @thescottishcrannog.bsky.social to a calm Kelvingrove filming for our election campaign From volunteer run spaces to national collections, museums support learning, wellbeing & local pride Thanks to those who shared their stories. More soon 🎬🏛

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David McDonald @david-mc.bsky.social · 27/01/2026

100 days to go until the Scottish Parliament election. Museums Galleries Scotland has launched our national advocacy campaign, giving voice and visibility to Scotland’s 455 museums Find out more and get involved here museumsgalleriesscotland.org.uk/election2026/

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David McDonald @david-mc.bsky.social · 22/01/2026

Proud to share, after a lot of work, the election advocacy campaign for Scotland’s 455 museums & galleries. Museums share Scotland’s stories & help shape our future. Visit the campaign website to find out more and show your support museumsgalleriesscotland.org.uk/election2026/ #MuseumsMatter 🏛🗳

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Reposted by David McDonald

Crookston Castle @crookston.bsky.social · 22/01/2026

We have a few tickets left for our Burns Night Concert at the Castle. Get your for a bargain £6.50 for night of live music and community spirit. 📅31 Jan 🕚18:00 🎟 www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/choruses-c...

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David McDonald @david-mc.bsky.social · 09/01/2026

A wintery work visit to the Scottish Crannog Centre ahead of their reopening at the end of the month. An extraordinary place that opens a window onto our ancient past, while being a vital community asset, employer & place of opportunity. Add it to your plans for a visit this year

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David McDonald @david-mc.bsky.social · 14/11/2025

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.

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David McDonald @david-mc.bsky.social · 31/08/2025

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

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David McDonald @david-mc.bsky.social · 28/08/2025

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.

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David McDonald @david-mc.bsky.social · 02/08/2025

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.

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David McDonald @david-mc.bsky.social · 01/08/2025

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.

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David McDonald @david-mc.bsky.social · 02/07/2025

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...

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David McDonald @david-mc.bsky.social · 30/06/2025

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.

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David McDonald @david-mc.bsky.social · 28/06/2025

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.

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Reposted by David McDonald

Crookston Castle @crookston.bsky.social · 22/06/2025

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.

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David McDonald @david-mc.bsky.social · 20/06/2025

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.

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David McDonald @david-mc.bsky.social · 11/06/2025

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 www.facebook.com/share/19SZLhw1WA

eventbrite.co.uk

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David McDonald @david-mc.bsky.social · 29/05/2025

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-...

euromovescotland.org.uk

Cross-Party Group on Europe – The European Movement in ScotlandBlueskyE-mailFacebookLinkedInTwitterYouTube

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David McDonald @david-mc.bsky.social · 11/05/2025

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.

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David McDonald @david-mc.bsky.social · 10/05/2025

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

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Reposted by David McDonald

European Movement in Scotland @euromovescotland.bsky.social · 25/04/2025

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-…

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David McDonald @david-mc.bsky.social · 28/03/2025

@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

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David McDonald @david-mc.bsky.social · 27/03/2025

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.

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David McDonald @david-mc.bsky.social · 25/03/2025

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/

euromovescotland.org.uk

Join Us – The European Movement in ScotlandBlueskyE-mailFacebookLinkedInTwitterYouTube

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David McDonald @david-mc.bsky.social · 21/03/2025

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?...

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David McDonald @david-mc.bsky.social · 28/01/2025

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...

bbc.co.uk

Historians

Historians are optimistic the ancient Darnley Sycamore, which has links to Mary Queen of Scots, can be saved.

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David McDonald @david-mc.bsky.social · 25/01/2025

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

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David McDonald @david-mc.bsky.social · 24/01/2025

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...

scotsman.com

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

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David McDonald @david-mc.bsky.social · 24/01/2025

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

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David McDonald @david-mc.bsky.social · 23/01/2025

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.

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David McDonald @david-mc.bsky.social · 17/12/2024

Really sorry to see Humza step down, it was always a pleasure working alongside him for Pollok. His barrier breaking time in office has left a lasting legacy, paving the way for so many & inspiring others to believe in what’s possible. Wishing him all the best for what comes next

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David McDonald @david-mc.bsky.social · 04/12/2024

All of Pollok’s creative community are invited to come together to connect, and help shape our future. Come along to SWAMP on Brockburn Road on 5th Dec at 1pm and join the discussion. Check out this visual record from our first meeting to get inspired.

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David McDonald @david-mc.bsky.social · 29/11/2024

Encouraging reading in this @scottishgovernment.bsky.social report on cultural engagement highlighting how culture transforms lives & connects communities. The report doesn’t shy away from the challenges, but what really stands out is it's framing of culture as inseparable from everyday life.

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David McDonald @david-mc.bsky.social · 22/11/2024

Uplifting Creative Lives team trip to Bradford, next years UK city of culture, for our away day The city's cultural energy was the perfect backdrop for thinking big and making plans for the year ahead.

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David McDonald @david-mc.bsky.social · 19/11/2024

My take away from CPG is that we should be ambitious to do better and grasp the opportunity broaden access to international mobility, learning & exchange with a level playing field. If you’re interested in joining the CPG or contributing to our discussions, don’t hesitate to get in touch.

lnkd.in

This link will take you to a page that’s not on LinkedIn

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Reposted by David McDonald

Crookston Castle @crookston.bsky.social · 18/11/2024

We've made it from the other place & look forward to sharing the 900 year history & stories of Glasgow’s only surviving medieval Castle. It's currently FREE to become a friend of the castle, so why not join us & help celebrate Glasgow’s community castle. docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1F...

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David McDonald @david-mc.bsky.social · 18/11/2024

Back to back wins for Scotland! It's been a while! Two performances full of the fight, desire and skill missing for the early campaign.

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