AN Ayr teenager was selected to participate in a unique work experience opportunity with Scotland’s national orchestra.

Robin McGregor, a former pupil at Belmont Academy, Ayr was fortunate to be selected for this year’s annual Royal Scottish National Orchestra (RSNO) Takeover. 

The soon-to-be Strathclyde International Business student has always been interested in business and applied for a role in the Orchestra’s Marketing and Development team.

Belmont Academy has an impressive track-record of producing successful artists, alumni including The Waterboys’ frontman Mike Scott, Belle and Sebastian’s lead singer Stuart Murdoch, and Arnie Burgoyne, keyboard player from Echo and the Bunnymen.

The Royal Scottish National Orchestra, based in Glasgow, was Robin’s workplace for two full days where he and two other budding marketers worked in conjunction with the marketing and development team to promote a concert that included young musicians performing alongside RSNO professionals, held at the RSNO Centre in Glasgow.

Robin said: “It couldn’t have been a better experience. It exceeded all my expectations and most importantly it combined my love for music with the career I am going to pursue.

“The Takeover also proved a unique opportunity for me to jump into the business environment, something which I have never done before and something which I will look to do more regularly. 

“When I first arrived I was surprised to find out the extent of what the Marketing and Development team do on a daily basis.

“As a team, we ran the social media, dealt with PR, produced the backdrop for the performance as well as many other exciting things. 

“With a career of business in mind, I found this experience extremely valuable and something which I would recommend to anyone.”

The concert, titled From Europe with Love concluded the Takeover and featured composers from across the continent.

The intensive two-day work experience initiative was not just limited for people interested in marketing. 
Royal Scottish National Orchestra invited the young people to participate in the Artistic Planning, Presentation and Operations, Learning and Engagement as well as an opportunity for some future musicians to show off their skills.