Live Music Now Scotland announces unparalleled new award

Live Music Now Scotland is delighted to announce a funding award of £150,000 from Elizabeth Lornie's Charitable Trust.

Article Source: Live Music Now Scotland
Last Updated: 27 January 2025 12:39

Image Credit: Sandy Butler

The Elizabeth Lornie’s Charitable Trust, previously known as The Morton Charitable Trust, has supported Live Music Now Scotland over many years, with a particular emphasis on its work with older people with dementia in residential and day care in Edinburgh. The new name honours Mrs Lornie’s extremely generous philanthropic support of and personal interest in charities throughout Scotland.

With this unparalleled new award, which will be rolled out over 5 years with £30,000 each year, covering the period 2025 – 2030, Live Music Now Scotland’s exceptional early career artists will be able to deliver annual residency programmes in five care facilities, with a focus on Leith and north Edinburgh, the area of the city in which Mrs Lornie lived. These will include venues visited in the past, such as Braeburn Care Home, and new venues, with activity at North Edinburgh Dementia Care at the Seagrove Centre commencing for the first time in spring 2025.

The funding award will also enable a bespoke, high-level, professional development programme for Live Music Now Scotland artists. This will be known as the David McLellan Programme, recognising recently retired LMNS board member David McLellan’s input to the charity over many years, as well as his involvement and support of the wider music and arts sector in Scotland.

LMNS Director, Carol Main MBE FRC, said: “Everyone knows how difficult it is for arts and charitable funding at the moment. There are always challenges in raising funds, but never as challenging as now. Need and demand are increasing, but all while costs going up and sources of funding diminishing. This award is a real confidence booster not just for Live Music Now Scotland, but for our sector. Most importantly, it will enable sustained social impact through sharing the joy and transforming benefits of live music with those who need it most while simultaneously supporting highly talented emerging artists to build their careers.”

Feedback from previous residencies has shown that the visits by the musicians had a great impact on the residents, increasing enjoyment, social interaction and memory. A day care Manager at the Eric Liddell Centre said, “Clients came alive by singing, clapping their hands, tapping their feet and one client played conductor. The performers played recognisable tunes as well as less well-known music. They encouraged and inspired our client group throughout the session”.

A senior carer at Queen’s Bay Lodge, commented, “Music increases both engagement and energy for the residents, it helps promote social interactions and prompts memories as well as movement with the residents.”

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