LAST Thursday, I had the privilege of sponsoring a performance by the Trumberbone Carnival Street Band at the Scottish Parliament. Initially, the plan had been for the band to perform within the Garden Lobby. However, due to members’ business overrunning, the performance had to move outside. Luckily, the sun was shining, so myself and others could enjoy a wonderful performance.

The band, led by Oi Musica, is a targeted project for up to 20 care-experienced children and young carers in East Lothian, funded by Youth Music Initiative and managed by East Lothian Council’s arts service in partnership with The Promise, education and connected communities teams. It is an opportunity for the young people to learn to play an instrument, participate in a performance and to work together collaboratively. It’s also important time away from carer duties to just be themselves.

The challenges faced by the young people who have participated in the the Trumberbone Carnival Street Band project will vary vastly, but through music they have made new friends and enjoyed a unique experience.

The hard work and dedication of all those involved was clear to see, and everyone looked like they were thoroughly enjoying themselves. I hope having the platform to perform at Parliament has given everyone a small taste of what can be achieved and the drive to succeed in whatever they do in the future.

Access to, and participation in, creative arts help us all with self-expression and can also increase our confidence. Learning in a creative environment makes the all-round experience more enjoyable, can help support our mental wellbeing, and provides us with valuable skills that can be used throughout our lives. The Scottish Government’s Youth Music Initiative, administered by Creative Scotland, was launched to put music at the heart of young people’s lives and learning. It has an annual budget of £9 million and supports all genres, age groups and teaching methods.