MSPs join theband backing orchestra fight

THREE Lothian MSPs have joined forces in an effort to stop Britain's national youth orchestra organisation relocating from Edinburgh to London.

The National Association of Youth Orchestras (NAYO) is one of the most important cultural bodies in Edinburgh, having a base in the city for nearly 30 years. But the body is considering moving to London, which insiders believe would attract more government funding.

Nationalist MSP Ian McKee has lodged a parliamentary motion, recognising "the association's vital contribution to the cultural life both of the capital city and all of Scotland". It has been supported by Lib Dem MSP Mike Pringle and Green MSP Robin Harper, among others.

Earlier this month it was revealed council leaders had not met with the heads of NAYO, more than three months after promising urgent talks. A meeting finally took place earlier this week.

Professor George Caird, NAYO chairman, said: "There is an open debate about how we are gong to run the office side of NAYO."

But he insisted the future of the annual Festival of British Youth Orchestras, which has been held in the city every summer for more than 25 years, was secure.