Scottish Chamber Orchestra - Project

SCO Greater Craigmillar Community Residency: Lifting community spirit and connecting people through music

Music is something which sadly, in an area of multiple deprivation, is not always our focus so to learn from some world-class musicians in such an active and engaging way has just been absolutely brilliant for the children. They are increasing their creativity skills and there is a lot of enthusiasm around the workshops. They are really loving it.

Teacher, Castlebrae Community High School

The generous support of the Borletti-Buitoni Trust over the past year has enabled us to set up our ambitious community residency in Edinburgh and spend time with hundreds of residents – from nursery children to people living with dementia. Scottish Chamber Orchestra musicians have received specialist training to work with different age groups and deliver interactive workshops which develop self-confidence and creativity. We are very grateful to have had this support at a crucial time and look forward to sustaining the relationships we have built in this community over the coming years.

Gavin Reid, Chief Executive, Scottish Chamber Orchestra

Following the success of its three-year residency in Wester Hailes, the Scottish Chamber Orchestra (SCO) moved to another area of Edinburgh, Greater Craigmiller, to work with a huge cross-section of the community with diverse languages and cultures who benefitted from this intergenerational creative residency. The new project brought people together, renewed a sense of pride in the community, and enhanced individuals’ confidence, wellbeing and transferable skills through a programme of workshops and performances for all ages. Working with the local authority, schools and partner organisations, SCO has embedded itself in the Greater Craigmillar area for five years, during which time it will have helped to ensure that creative music activity is woven into the fabric of the community and can continue to grow in the future. A BBT Community Grant in 2021 contributed to the first stages of development of this residency project.

Photographs by Fraser Band and Jen Owens