A former banking executive has been appointed as the new chairman of children’s orchestra charity Sistema Scotland.

Benny Higgins will take over from founder Richard Holloway, who is retiring in December.

The organisation runs the Big Noise youth community orchestras in disadvantaged areas.

Its programme has grown from working with a group of 35 children in Raploch, Stirling, in 2008 to reach more than 2,500 children and young people in four cities.

Mr Higgins held a number of senior roles at Standard Life, RBS, HBOS and Tesco Bank before retiring in February.

He said: “I am convinced from my own experience, growing up in both Govanhill, a community where Big Noise now works, and nearby Toryglen, of the transformative power of the arts and music, and the vital importance of ensuring they are inclusive and open to all.

“In taking up this role, I would also like to pay tribute to Richard Holloway: Sistema Scotland is his gift to our country and I will make it my mission to continue and grow this vital work for the benefit of some of our most vulnerable children, young people and communities across Scotland.”

Mr Holloway said: “Benny brings extensive financial and business expertise coupled with the strategic vision to grow successful organisations.

“Together with his personal experience of both the communities we work in and the impact the arts has had on him, he is the perfect person to lead Sistema Scotland into the next 10 years.