Sistema Scotland given green light for Dundee children's orchestra

There are already Big Noise orchestras in Stirling, Glasgow and Aberdeen

Plans to bring the Sistema Scotland Orchestra to Dundee have been approved by city councillors.

It is the fourth Big Noise orchestra set up by the Scottish charity, which is modelled on the Venezuelan network of children's orchestras.

Campaign group Optimistic Sound was formed in 2013 with the aim of bringing a Big Noise orchestra to Dundee.

There are already Big Noise projects in Raploch in Stirling, Govanhill in Glasgow and Torry in Aberdeen.

The programme, which will be based in the Douglas area of the city, uses music and the experience of being part of an orchestra to help improve children's futures.

It was approved at a meeting of Dundee City Council's children and family services committee on Monday.

'Positive impact'

Clare Brennan, a trustee of Optimistic Sound said: "We are delighted to be approaching this milestone in our four year campaign to bring Big Noise to Dundee.

"This is just the start of wonderful things to come for the Douglas community, and the beginning of the final push to raise the much needed funds."

Optimistic Sound will contribute 75% of the cash funding for the project over its first five years, with Sistema contributing the remainder.

Children and families services convener Stewart Hunter said: "I am sure the community of Douglas are excited at this prospect and are looking forward to the positive impact that this will have on the lives of children in this area.

"This project will help in efforts to transform Douglas and help young people now to maximise their potential and give them new life chances.

"Sistema Scotland will have an amazing reception in Douglas and I can't wait to see, and hear, how it progresses."