They will strengthen work to tackle poverty and inequality
Scotland’s music and social change charity, Sistema Scotland, has welcomed three new faces to its board to strengthen its work to transform lives and empower communities through music.
Former chief executive of Cosla, Sally Louden, joins the charity, alongside BBC Scotland’s head of corporate affairs and public policy, Luke McCullough and Karen MacFayden, who brings a wealth of experience in both banking and the third sector.
Sally Loudon has been at the heart of local government in Scotland and was previously chief executive at Argyll and Bute Council. She has held a range of non-executive roles, including positions with Solace Scotland, The Promise Scotland Board, and the Scottish Council for Development and Industry.
Luke McCullough is a former commercial radio managing director, programme director and radio broadcaster and journalist in Aberdeen and Edinburgh. A former chair of the Corra Foundation, he brings a strong understanding of the importance of creativity and culture in Scotland.
Karen McFadyen was head of operations at Royal Bank of Scotland and capital appeal director at St Andrews Hospice. She has supported, led and participated in many charitable events and causes throughout her career will use her skills and experience to make a difference for children and young people at Sistema Scotland.
The new board members will guide and provide strategic direction to the charity as it supports thousands of children and young people through the power of music and nurturing relationships.
Big Noise is a high-quality music education and social change programme, which launched in Raploch in Stirling in 2008. It sees children and young people learn music after school, creating a community symphony orchestra which supports children and young people to gain vital life skills such as confidence, resilience, creativity, and aspiration.
There are now six centres supporting almost 4,000 children and young people across Scotland, including Raploch and Fallin in Stirling, Govanhill in Glasgow, Torry in Aberdeen, and Douglas in Dundee.
Sally Louden said: “I’ve known about Sistema Scotland and Big Noise since its inception in Raploch and followed its path as it has developed and opened new centres across Scotland. From my own family’s experience, I’ve seen the difference that playing a musical instrument and joining an orchestra can make, and I’m over the moon to be joining an organisation that brings that opportunity to thousands of children and young people.”
Luke McCullough added: “Having grown up in Stirling, and lived since in Aberdeen and Edinburgh, I’ve long admired the essential work which Sistema Scotland delivers through its Big Noise programmes. I’m looking forward to supporting that work on the board and helping the organisation deliver its musical education and associated aims for communities in Scotland.”
And Karen McFadyen said: “I believe that music really is food for the soul. Music can transform lives; it brings people and communities together, and like education and sport, it really does make a difference to people’s lives. Everyone should get the opportunity to have the roots to grow and wings to fly - and Sistema Scotland gives that chance to young people that ordinarily would be out of their reach. We really don’t have any other organisations in Scotland like it.”
Sistema Scotland chief executive Vicky Williams added: “Sally, Luke and Karen join Sistema Scotland’s board at an exciting time, as Big Noise continues to grow and deepen its impact across Scotland. Their collective expertise, enthusiasm, and belief in the transformative power of music will prove invaluable in strengthening the work of Sistema Scotland and our board.
“On behalf of everyone at Sistema Scotland, we warmly welcome Sally, Luke and Karen to the board and look forward to the contributions they will make in the years ahead.”
