A second centre for an orchestra project which aims to instil confidence and discipline in youngsters has moved a step closer after receiving approval from Glasgow councillors.
Sistema Scotland was established in 2008 and is designed to use music to foster teamwork, pride and aspiration in the children taking part and across their wider community.
It came to the fore this year when Stirling's Raploch housing scheme played host to Scotland's Olympic Festival opening celebrations. Venezuelan conductor Gustavo Dudamel led the Simon Bolivar Orchestra in front of a crowd of some 8,000 people in the heart of the estate.
Young people from the estate took to the stage to perform alongside the 200 Venezuelan musicians after learning orchestral instruments together with Sistema's Big Noise Orchestra.
Glasgow City councillors on Thursday unanimously backed plans to bring a similar project to Govanhill.
George Anderson, from Sistema Scotland, said the council's approval has helped to "pave the way" for a new centre, which would be based at Govanhill Community Development Trust's Forsyth House in Coplaw Street.
He said the Scottish Government is currently considering a funding bid for the project but, in the meantime, Sistema is continuing its own fundraising efforts.
The charity is an official partner of the original organisation in Venezuela, El Sistema, from which it takes its name, which has transformed the lives of thousands of children through classical music.
Govanhill Community Development Trust chairwoman Lyn Ewing said: "This is an exciting day for us. We have been working hard to help Sistema Scotland bring the Big Noise project to Govanhill and we're delighted that councillors have shown unanimous support today.
"We look forward to welcoming Sistema to Govanhill and to working with the local community to make Big Noise Govanhill a huge success."
