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
Strathclyde Fire and Rescue Service previous system of eight regional fire and rescue services across Scotland which had existed since 1975. The Scottish Fire and Rescue Service has its headquarters in Perth. Strathclyde Fire & Rescue had over 200 Appliances which includes Rescue Pumps, Aerial Rescue Pumps (ARP), Heavy Rescue Vehicle, Technical Support Unit, Major Incident Units and Water Rescue Units. Also the Volunteer Stations had Volunteer Support Units. The service operated 111 fire stations. The following eight regional fire and rescue services (originally known as fire brigades) were merged on 1 April 2013, creating the Scottish Fire and Rescue Service: The same boundaries were