RENFREWSHIRE teenagers are tuning up to take part in a unique a link-up with the Royal Scottish National Orchestra that could help them forge careers in the music industry.

Scotland’s national orchestra is staging a two-day Takeover event on October 23 and 24, which ends with a special show in Paisley Town Hall as part of the annual Spree festival.

The free concert will include music chosen by Renfrewshire school pupils, and will feature works by Handel, Bach, Sir Henry Wood, as well as Greenock-born 19th-century composer Hamish McCunn.

Guided by RSNO professionals, around 50 pupils from all 11 Renfrewshire high schools will work on every aspect of planning and staging the gig.

World-class musicians will mentor their younger counterparts while other pupils will work on marketing, press and PR, as well as fundraising, learning and engagement and stage and orchestra management.

RSNO head of learning and engagement Samantha Wright said: “Takeover provides a rare and valuable experience to those seeking to pursue a career in the arts. You never know – we may have a future RSNO conductor or chief executive among our group.”

The link-up is taking place as part of Paisley’s bid to be UK City of Culture 2021.