yeah, not a helpful title. Its a 1.5 petrol Scala, with about 55,000 miles on the clock
I've been aware of a drone from the engine/drivetrain for some while and now even the missus is mentioning it, and she's quite deaf ;-)

Where to start with tying the problem down ? What questions should I be asking myself ?

Can anybody recommend any garages in the NW (Wigan/Bolton) likely to be able to look at this (without first saying we'll want at least £120 for an hours diagnostics, and thats not an actual dealership)

When was it last serviced? Have the Spark Plugs been changed at around 40,000 miles or since? Has the Air Filter been changed or looked at? Have the brakes been serviced, or inspected and has the brake fluid been changed? Is the AC used and has that been serviced?