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.