The Heart of Midlothian Education and Community Trust is delighted with the development of a stunning new music facility at Tynecastle Stadium.

The Hearts Music Project is a brand new initiative designed to cater for all age groups, backgrounds and abilities. The Trust aims to use this facility to promote an active interest in music and is currently partnering with a number of agencies and local authorities to afford individuals just that opportunity.

The project will provide a resource for children and adults who wish to develop their musical interest and for those who wish to develop an already recognised talent. In addition it is expected that the room may become available as a rehearsal space for bands.

Local authorities and schools in Edinburgh, West Lothian, Midlothian, East Lothian and the Borders have also been invited to make use of the facility both during the day and out of school hours.

The Hearts Music Project will initially house seven electric guitars, two electronic drum kits, a bass guitar PA system, keyboard, SmartBoard and other equipment that will motivate and inspire learning. Music tutors with experience of youth work will complement the services on offer.

The Hearts Music Project was opened by Mike Daniels (better known as M.A.D), probably best recognised for his guest vocals on Groove Armada tracks, and the Scottish Government's Cabinet Secretary for Justice Kenny MacAskill MSP on the 28 September 2009.

Hearts managing director Campbell Ogilvie commented, "We are delighted to be expanding our community involvement through the development of this brand new initiative.

"The Heart of Midlothian Education and Community Trust was created to form partnerships, create initiatives and further support current practice that will assist schools, community groups and organisations.

"We are confident that the Hearts Music Project will achieve just that and help in providing new opportunities for young people in particular."

Alan White, Hearts community development manager, said: "We believe this programme to be a first for a football club in Britain. Football has proved to be huge motivator for young people in our community but we also understand that music can be a positive and inspirational tool for young people, hence the reason we have combined both activities into one here at Tynecastle," he said.

"The project is barely off the ground and already the interest from local authorities, music agencies and youth organisations has been overwhelming. Our task now is to ensure that the facility is as accessible as possible to young people and that will be achieved through a series of strong partnerships. We are not aiming necessarily to unearth the next Beyonce or Oasis but as long as local people can benefit in a positive way we will have achieved our goal."

Acknowledgements

The Heart of Midlothian Education and Community Trust would like to thank the following for their support and contributions to the Hearts Music Project:

Youth Link Scotland
The Scottish Government
Heart of Midlothian Shareholders Association
Garry Halliday Builders
Federation of Hearts Supporters Clubs
Linlithgow & District Hearts Supporters Club
Willie Bauld Memorial Club
Scayles Music (Edinburgh)
City of Edinburgh Council
6VT Youth Café
Iain Bruce (Bridge Project, Haddington)
Jam @ Hearts

Youth organisations, social work agencies and City of Edinburgh schools and departments are invited to suggest referrals for this programme. Further information on the programme is available here.

Kenny MacAskill said: "Hearts deserve praise for providing more than football for our youngsters. Many of our football clubs throughout the country are doing great work with our kids, getting them off street corners and giving them new things to do. This Government is delighted to support them in making a difference to the lives of our young people.

"Music and the arts are a great way to broaden youngsters horizons and give them the chance to be all they can be. By supporting projects such as the Hearts Music Project we are allowing our kids to be all they can be. Achieving their full potential not misbehaving or offending.

"Through the many strands of our CashBack for Communities scheme we are getting our young people involved in new exciting activities and offering them the chance to give something back to their communities."

For more information contact Alan White on 0131 200 7265 or email alan@homplc.co.uk