A VENEZUELA-style orchestra programme has given disadvantaged Scottish kids “the tools to believe in themselves,” the Scottish Parliament heard last night.

Leading a debate marking the 10th anniversary of Sistema Scotland’s Big Noise programme, SNP MSP Bruce Crawford praised its “phenomenal” impact.

Big Noise launched in Mr Crawford’s Stirling constituency in 2008. It now works with 2,500 children and young people every week, at the original centre in Raploch and in Glasgow, Aberdeen and Dundee.

It was inspired by the El Sistema scheme in Venezuela, which works with 700,000 young musicians to lift them out of poverty and deprivation. It feeds into the country’s acclaimed Simon Bolivar Youth Orchestra, which tours globally.

Founded in 1975 by the orchestra conductor Jose Antonio Abreu, the Venezuelan scheme has received massive investment under the country’s socialist government.

In Scotland this year, Big Noise will perform at the BBC Big Weekend alongside the BBC Scottish Symphony Orchestra.

“The outcomes are phenomenal, unlocking the potential of so many while transforming lives and communities,” Mr Crawford said.

“For parents of children in these areas, this means a stable source of special support for young people at crucial stages.”