Motherwell Strathclyde Park previously hosted the major Scottish music festival, T in the Park, until 1996, when it was moved to a disused airfield in Balado, Kinross-shire. It has also hosted other music festivals such as Retrofest. Modern authors Des McAnulty and Mark Wilson have written novels of critical acclaim which are based in the town (LIFE IS LOCAL, McAnulty) and neighbouring town Bellshill (BOBBY'S BOY, Wilson). Motherwell is the headquarters for both North Lanarkshire Council, which is one of Scotland's most populous local authority areas, and of Police Scotland "Q" division. These organisations cover an overall population of 327,000 people
Loopallu Festival Loopallu Festival Loopallu is a 2-day music festival that takes place in Ullapool, in the north of Scotland. It has been held annually since 2005 attracting 2,500 people which essentially doubles the population of the town while the event is being held. The festival takes place in Ullapool with the main stage located only metres from the shore of Loch Broom, in a big-top tent. After the acts on the main stage finish a string of fringe events continue into the early hours, offering live music. The first Loopallu was held in 2005, with the American rockgrass band Hayseed Dixie