Falkirk music project helping asylum seekers

A Falkirk group is aiming to use music to help asylum seekers settle into the area.

Causeway Music Project run weekly music and tutoring sessions.

It's designed to increase social interaction, and their knowledge of the English language.

They've been given more than £15,000 from the National Lottery, through Creative Scotland’s Open Fund.

Alan Morrison, Head of Music at Creative Scotland, said: “Music speaks a universal language that transcends borders and brings people together, soothing troubled minds and building friendships. But every culture has its unique rhythms and sounds, its distinctive scales and instruments, and it’s within these differences that beauty and imagination can be found.  

“Creative Scotland is delighted, through National Lottery funds, to support a project that celebrates these differences by helping asylum seekers share the pride and passion of their musical traditions with each other and with local communities in Scotland. This is where people can find refuge and safety, where different cultures cross paths to create something positive, new and stronger in collaboration.” 

Ahead of Refugee Week from 19 – 25 June, the collective will be hosting a ceilidh on Friday 16 June with food cooked by Falkirk’s Rainbow Muslim Women’s Group, music from local bands and dancing. The public are invited along to Larbert Baptist Church to join in the fun and make friends from around the world.   

A member of Causeway Music Project said: “This class has been a wonderful source of joy and learning for me and my friends. The impact goes beyond just learning music. It has helped us expel boredom and overcome moments of depression. Your efforts have made a significant impact, and we are truly grateful.”