Children wow Holyrood with their song for Scotland’s children

Children from Early Years Scotland's 2 Stay Play and Learn service, and Chesters Nursery in Drumchapel, Glasgow,  last night (15 May) became the youngest ever performers to appear at the Scottish Parliament as they premiered their ‘song for Scotland’s children’.

The song, ‘Believe in Me’ was written in collaboration with top Scottish musicians Chris Stout and Catriona McKay, who were recently named Best British Duo at the prestigious Radio 2 Folk Awards.

At the reception in parliament, the children, accompanied by Chris and Catriona, gave the first live public rendition of the song to an audience of MSPs, parents and early years professionals.

The reception was sponsored by Joan McAlpine MSP, and hosted by Early Years Scotland (EYS). EYS runs the 2 Stay Play and Learn service for two and three year olds and their parents inside Camstradden Primary School, along with a service at Chesters Nursery.

The children from Camstradden and Chesters helped write the song with violinist Chris and harpist Catriona over a series of music workshops in March and April of this year.

Speaking about their experience of working alongside the children, Chris and Catriona said: 

“We are delighted to be involved in this exciting and thoroughly worthwhile project. To share the gift of music with people at the earliest stages of their life journeys is truly magical. 

“We are sure this experience will become a small treasured memory for these wonderful children.”

Jean Carwood-Edwards, CEO, Early Years Scotland, said:

“We know that music supports all areas of young children’s development, so we were keen to create the opportunity for our 2 and 3 year old children to become composers! Having the support of Chris and Catriona has been invaluable for the children, staff and parents, and we are delighted that the debut performance in the Scottish Parliament was a phenomenal success.”

Linda Gordon, EYS Project Manager for the 2 Stay Play and Learn service, said:

“Making music with the children has been a magical experience. We have explored how music can impact on how we feel and see the world - it is a language the whole world speaks!”

Jane Forbes, Head Teacher at Chesters Nursery, added:

“The children taking part in the music sessions were inspired to share their experience by singing the new song to the other children and staff in the nursery.”

YOU CAN LISTEN TO 'BELIEVE IN ME' HERE.