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Motion · S6M-19475 · 29 Oct 2025

Celebrating the 90th Anniversary of the BBC Scottish Symphony Orchestra

Lodged by Michelle Thomson Standard Motion 31 supporters

The motion

That the Parliament celebrates the 90th anniversary of the BBC Scottish Symphony Orchestra (BBC SSO); notes that the first rehearsal of the newly-created BBC Scottish Orchestra took place in Edinburgh on 2 December 1935, with its first broadcast on the BBC on 3 December 1935, conducted by the orchestra’s founder, Ian Whyte; notes that it is the oldest full-time professional radio orchestra in Scotland; further notes that the BBC Scottish Orchestra's first performance at the BBC Proms was in 1962; acknowledges that the orchestra expanded to become the BBC Scottish Symphony Orchestra in 1967; recognises the BBC SSO's long-standing commitment to commissioning new music and to performing the work of Scottish composers such as the 1990 World Premiere of Sir James MacMillan’s The Confession of Isobel Gowdie; marks what it sees as its reputation as a leading force in classical music, hosting the Tectonics Festival of new and experimental music, broadcasting live performances and reaching audiences in Scotland, the UK and worldwide through broadcasts on BBC Radio Scotland, BBC Radio 3 and BBC Sounds; recognises that the BBC SSO has a long history of performing at major events including the BBC Proms, Edinburgh International Festival and the St Magnus Festival in Orkney; notes that the orchestra has undertaken successful international tours, including in Hong Kong, China, the US, India, Japan and South Korea; recognises that the orchestra supports young instrumentalists and shares its passion for music in a wide range of settings, including with families with young children, primary and secondary schools and local communities across Scotland; further recognises that collaborations and partnerships are central to the development of the BBC SSO and to its 90th anniversary celebrations; notes the importance of the orchestra’s rich musical legacy with a community of players, conductors, composers and dedicated audiences, and wishes it every success in its anniversary celebrations and in all future projects.

Supporters (31)

Source: the Scottish Parliament motions and amendments record.