I’m giving up the booze for the month of October to raise a bit of money for Sistema Scotland and their Big Noise centres across Scotland. Chuck us a few quid to support some very important work that helps improve the life chances of the kids and young people that the charity works with - and I’ll do my best to stay off my beloved Guinness til November.

Sistema Scotland’s mission is to improve lives and strengthen communities through music and nurturing relationships. Our Big Noise orchestra programmes support children to develop an invaluable range of life skills and experiences including confidence, resilience, pride and aspiration, helping them reach their potential and lead successful and fulfilled lives. Our four established Big Noise programmes support children and young people across four communities: Raploch in Stirling, Govanhill in Glasgow, Torry in Aberdeen and Douglas in Dundee.