The blues is not a musical genre that automatically springs to mind when the spotlight turns on the National Association of Youth Orchestras (Nayo). Chamber music, symphonies, jazz, yes. However, the revelation in The Herald today that the Nayo is set to move its headquarters from Edinburgh, where it has been based for nearly 30 years, to London has become the cue for a sad, mournful song. It should be sung with anger because it is difficult to discern, far less accept, a compelling reason for the proposed move.

The blues is not a musical genre that automatically springs to mind when the spotlight turns on the National Association of Youth Orchestras (Nayo). Chamber music, symphonies, jazz, yes. However, the revelation in The Herald today that the Nayo is set to move its headquarters from Edinburgh, where it has been based for nearly 30 years, to London has become the cue for a sad, mournful song. It should be sung with anger because it is difficult to discern, far less accept, a compelling reason for the proposed move.

However, staff at the Nayo have apparently been told that it is necessary to relocate because the body needs to be nearer the centre of power. According to Carol Main, a former director of the Nayo, Scotland has nurtured and sustained the organisation over many years. What has changed to cause senior figures to re-examine Edinburgh's credentials? Professor George Caird, the chairman, suggests it is time to interrogate the word "national" to identify what it means for the organisation. Every arts body should cast a critical eye on itself from time to time to assess whether it is on top of its game. Headquarter location can be part of that exercise.

Scottish-based businesses with a global presence have gone through this process and concluded there was nothing to gain from moving. Taken together, rapid transport links and the digital age call into question whether it is important to be at the centre of power; indeed, they undermine the whole notion of a centre of power. The Nayo does not employ many people, so few would be affected by relocation. But it is the message that would be sent out by a move that is important and of concern. The Nayo organises festivals of youth orchestras in Edinburgh and Glasgow each year.

These are prestigious events in their own right but also serve to introduce young people to the experience of playing in a live festival atmosphere. This has been a memorable experience for thousands of young people down the years. It can be vital for the career of promising young musicians. Would these festivals enjoy equal status if the organisation moved to London? Devolution has given Scottish culture a new impetus. The National Theatre of Scotland has produced work of an international standard. After a period of uncertainty, the national companies are in a stronger position to face the future. To do otherwise would be especially damaging for Edinburgh, whose status as a cultural centre is expected to be challenged by other cities, such as Manchester, that want to make their own mark globally on the arts. Yet Scotland is much more of a cultural powerhouse than desert. The Nayo should recognise this by staying where it is.