Susie Cormack Bruce on balance, winter comforts, and the wardrobe staples she swears by

With a career that’s taken her from television screens to magazine pages and now into the world of hospitality, Susie Cormack Bruce often finds herself wearing several hats—all at once. Now the custodian of the beautifully restored Balcomie Links Hotel in Crail, her days are a mix of hotel management, hosting events, sharing life through her Instagram page Sincerely Yours, Susie, and occasionally interviewing the Prime Minister on stage (as you do). Here she shares her thoughts on balance, winter comforts and the wardrobe staples she swears by in the cooler months of the year.

The most fulfilling part of exploring these passions? Without question, it’s the variety and the fact I get to do what I love. A few weeks ago sums it up perfectly: I negotiated a linen contract for the hotel, presented a charity awards ceremony, styled a shoot, created property project mood boards, shot Instagram content and interviewed the Prime Minister. I’m genuinely grateful for the opportunities, but the hardest part is explaining what I do when someone asks—any suggestions for a tidy answer are welcome!

Running Balcomie Links has shown me how it’s the little things that make a space feel special. I love bringing in fresh flowers and plants—there’s something about the vibrancy and life they add to a room that’s hard to beat. A simple vase of seasonal blooms or a lush potted plant can transform even the most uninspiring corners, and it’s a small luxury I’ve come to treasure. Lighting, too, works wonders. I rarely, if ever, use the ceiling light at home. Instead, I rely on lamps of varying heights, candles, and tealights to create a layered, inviting glow. It’s simple but makes a world of difference.

Scottish winters can be long and tough, so I don’t fight the dark—I embrace it. As soon as night falls, it’s candle time in our house. It makes everything feel instantly cosy. My favourite ritual is sinking into a slipper-shaped bath, perfectly angled to the window, with bubbles (and a glass of bubbles). Watching the stars in complete silence feels like such a luxury, and it’s often the little moments like this that ground me.

Winter is also hard on skin, so I focus on prevention rather than cure. I’ve seen amazing results from Sylfirm X treatments at Sur Wellness in Glasgow—a micro-needling treatment that isn’t exactly relaxing but delivers results. At home, I swear by Medik8’s vitamin C serum and Weleda’s Skin Food, which is my go-to for juicy, glowing skin, even when the heating’s blasting.

When it comes to style, I keep things unfussy. I’m a huge fan of trouser suits—they’re effortlessly chic, surprisingly feminine, and don’t require complicated underwear! I have them in everything from classic black velvet to bold red sequins, but my black double-breasted one from Zara gets the most wear. It’s my go-to for those busy days when I need to look polished without overthinking it.

Like most women, I find it hard to carve out time for myself, but I’ve made my mornings sacred. I don’t rush my shower, my coffee, or my makeup. It’s simple, but those small rituals set me up for whatever the day throws at me—and for that, I’m truly grateful.