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£2.2 million Big Noise Douglas fundraising effort kicks off in earnest

Sistema Scotland's Big Noise Orchestra has had a transformative effect upon youngsters in Stirling's Raploch area. It is hoped Bid Noise Douglas will be every bit as successful.
Sistema Scotland's Big Noise Orchestra has had a transformative effect upon youngsters in Stirling's Raploch area. It is hoped Bid Noise Douglas will be every bit as successful.

The £2.2 million fundraising drive needed to make Big Noise Douglas a reality will begin in earnest next week.

Sistema Scotland and local campaigners Optimistic Sound will outline how they intend to make the renowned children’s music project a reality.

Dundee City Council, meanwhile, has said it will provide “in kind” support, which is likely to involve rehearsal and performance space within the Douglas area.

It was revealed in March that Dundee is to become home to Scotland’s fourth Big Noise Centre, bringing free music tuition to hundreds of children.

Years of negotiations have already taken place to bring the concept – pioneered in Stirling’s Raploch area – to the city.

The city council’s children and families services committee will consider a report on Monday that will outline a programme for Douglas and the work of Optimistic Sound to raise funds for the initiative.

Committee convener, Councillor Stewart Hunter, said: “I would like to thank everyone who has been working tirelessly in the background to ensure that Sistema Scotland can come to Dundee.

“I am sure the Douglas community is excited at this prospect and is looking forward to the positive impact that this will have on the lives of children in this area.”

Mr Hunter said Dundee had “a long tradition of harnessing the power of music” to help children meet new challenges and take new opportunities, through initiatives such as the Aspire Dundee project and free music tuition.

He added: “The arrival of Sistema Scotland in Douglas will really be something special and I am sure that the pupils of Claypotts Castle and St Pius primaries will be looking forward to making a Big Noise.

“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.”

Colin McKerchar, CEO of Sistema Scotland, said the council meeting would signal the start of “a busy year” for the Sistema Scotland team.

He added: “If they are approved, we look forward to working with our partners in Dundee to establish a Big Noise Centre in the Douglas Community.”

Optimistic Sound will play a key role in the fundraising that will be required to bring Big Noise Douglas to life.

Trustee Clare Brennan said the group was ready to do everything needed to make the project a reality.

She 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.”