A music education scheme targeted at deprived communities across Scotland is having "very positive impacts" on children in Dundee, a new study has found.
Big Noise Douglas was launched by Sistema Scotland in the Douglas area of the city in 2017 and sees youngsters given music lessons while also building on their confidence and communication skills.
A team of academics from the University of Dundee has evaluated the programme's impact in its first years, interviewing parents, children and school staff.
They have concluded that the programme has not only helped youngsters from non-privileged backgrounds to learn music - but also made them healthier and more-rounded individuals.
Professor Divya Jindal-Snape, who led the study, said: "Our participants reported that the positive impact of Big Noise Douglas was due to children having the opportunity to learn music and express themselves in a fun and safe environment.
"The project gave children access to resources they don’t have at home as well as the chance to be part of a group.
"Children felt a positive impact as they were given nutritious food and built valuable relationships with the Big Noise Douglas staff.
"We would like to thank the children, parents, school professionals and Big Noise Douglas staff for their participation in the evaluation despite ongoing disruption due to Covid-19."
Around 250 P1-P3 children and 92 P3-P6 children from Douglas' St Pius X RC and Claypotts Castle primary schools take part in Big Noise. A Baby Noise group is also run with nursery-age children.
The choice of Douglas, as one of Dundee's most deprived areas, was deliberate. Almost nine in ten people in the district live in neighbourhoods considered among the most impoverished in all of Scotland.
Other Big Noise projects run in areas of heavy deprivation such as Torry in Aberdeen and Govanhill in Glasgow.
According to the research, children who took part in Big Noise Douglas were better at listening, concentrating, working with others and building positive relationships.
The scheme was also praised for how it adapted during lockdown, including hosting one-to-one music tuition sessions - often a child's only activity outside of home during the pandemic's early days.
The researchers have recommended that the Big Noise scheme in Douglas be extended into the area's high schools.
Paul Clancy, Dundee City Council's outgoing children and family services boss, has hailed the project as "very important".
And Benny Higgins, chairman of Sistema Scotland, is "thrilled" by the university's conclusions.
He added: "Taking part in Big Noise helps participants to develop the attributes required to grow into happy and healthy adults, such as confidence, social skills, and self-esteem.
"We are excited to build on this achievement and work closely with the local community and Dundee City Council to continue our work to help more children and young people to reach their potential."
Rachel Dallas, a grandparent of some of the children taking part in Big Noise, said: "It is not just about learning to play an instrument, it is about coming together.
"They get to see their friends, play games and have healthy snacks.
"Big Noise is so good for them - and its good for their mental health too."
Sistema was persuaded to bring Big Noise to Dundee by the Optimistic Sound campaign, founded to honour the aspiration of famed Dundee singer-songwriter Michael Marra to give musical education to the city's disadvantaged children.
The campaign's chair, city games guru Chris van der Kuyl, said: "Since opening in 2017, Big Noise Douglas has gone from strength to strength, positively impacting young people and families in the local community.
"Optimistic Sound is delighted to have been instrumental in campaigning and fundraising to bring this work to Dundee.
"We are thrilled to have played our part in helping children and young people benefit from this meaningful work."
Jenny Marra, a former Labour MSP and niece to the late singer, said on Twitter: "Brilliant work in #Dundee by @sistemascotland hand in hand with children in Douglas.
"Well done to all the children and staff and thanks to @DundeeCouncil #partnership. Reach for the stars!"
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