Stephen Flynn applauds pioneering music and social change programme in Torry

STEPHEN Flynn has commended an innovative music and social change programme that is making a real difference in the lives of young people in Torry.

The Aberdeen South MP visited Big Noise Torry to see first-hand how the Big Noise initiative, run by the charity Sistema Scotland, is empowering children and young people through music and supportive relationships, helping them reach their full potential.

The charity collaborates closely with the local community, offering free after-school music sessions, opportunities to perform in concerts, travel experiences, and work placements within the organisation.

During his visit, the MP met with participants and staff at Big Noise Torry, including Paul Sullivan, director of children, young people, and communities at Sistema, and Lorna Carruthers, the head of the centre.

He was given a tour of the facility, where he observed music lessons and practice sessions in action. Mr Flynn also learned more about the programme’s impact on transforming the lives of children and young people in the area.

Launched in 2015 as Sistema Scotland’s third orchestra centre, Big Noise Torry now works with more than 750 children and young people from the local community.

This includes babies and toddlers in Little Noise, nursery and primary school pupils at its partner schools – Greyhope and Tullos – as well as secondary students from Lochside Academy. The programme also supports children living in Torry who attend school elsewhere.

Additionally, Big Noise Torry runs a weekly community orchestra, giving parents and other community members the chance to learn an instrument and develop musical skills with guidance from Big Noise musicians.

Delivered by Sistema Scotland as part of its wider anti-poverty mission, the programme helps children build essential life skills such as confidence, resilience, creativity, and ambition while strengthening community connections through music and mentorship.
This year, Sistema Scotland celebrates 17 years of making a Big Noise across the country, following the launch of its first programme in Raploch, Stirling, in 2008.

The charity currently runs six Big Noise centres supporting around 4,000 children and young people in communities around Scotland including in Raploch and Fallin in Stirling, Douglas in Dundee, Govanhill in Glasgow, and Wester Hailes in Edinburgh.

Stephen Flynn, MP for Aberdeen South, said:

“It’s always great fun to catch up with the folk at Big Noise and see the outstanding work they do in Torry working with young people.

“We cannot overstate the benefits that Big Noise brings to Aberdeen simply by providing kids the chance to pick up an instrument and express themselves – that extra bit of confidence and sense of pride through such a simple opportunity goes so far.

“The kids in Torry who are part of Big Noise absolutely love it and it’s a joy to see first hand.”

Paul Sullivan, director of children, young people, and communities at Sistema Scotland, said:

“It was a pleasure to welcome Stephen to Torry and share how we’re tackling poverty and inequality while helping young people thrive through music.

“We were proud to showcase the impact of Big Noise in Torry and our five other centres across Scotland.

“Through supportive relationships, Big Noise equips children with essential life skills, boosts confidence, and fosters creativity, ambition, and a strong sense of belonging.

“Studies of the programme have shown how it also helps children and young people reach their full potential by enhancing their academic skills.”