Proclaimers visit music project built by criminals’ seized assets

Feb 25 2010 Hamilton Advertiser

AN innovative music project aimed at injecting cash seized from criminals back into the community was given the thumbs up by pop icons The Proclaimers.

Twins Craig and Charlie Reid visited youngsters in Newarthill who have used the cash to fund the Reeltime Music project that is bringing the community together.

The project has so far received £23,800 in funding.

Justice Secretary Kenny MacAskill was also there last Friday to see how the Scottish Government’s Community CashBack scheme is helping young people in the area.

The scheme is one of over 200 youth projects to have benefited from a share of the cash seized from crooks and returned to communities to encourage healthy activities.

Proclaimer Craig said: “We are delighted to support this imaginative policy on community-based funding for worthwhile projects, using the confiscated funds from criminal activity.”

Reeltime Music offer opportunities for disadvantaged young people to get involved in music, including performing, recording and DJing.

Mr MacAskill and the Reid twins enjoyed music from Aaron Mukendi from the Congolese Music Group, followed by a performance by pupils of St Augustine’s Primary School.

Mr MacAskill said: “Organised crime brings misery to individuals and communities. It is only right, therefore, that criminals’ ill-gotten gains are put to use in improving lives.

“CashBack for Communities has allowed thousands of young people across Scotland to access sporting and creative opportunities that they might not otherwise have got.

“For example, the young people involved here at Reeltime Music have been allowed to develop their personal, social and career skills through their involvement with music.

“All of them will benefit, and some might follow the likes of The Proclaimers in making a successful career in the music industry.

“But thanks to projects like this, no young person in Scotland need walk 500 miles to get the chance.

“These projects demonstrate to young people that there is more to life than petty crime and getting out of your head on drink and drugs.

“The benefits to the young people are clear and the benefits are also felt in the wider community.

“It is in recognition of these benefits that we will continue our commitment to CashBack for Communities.

“Investment in our young people and their communities will always be money well spent.”

Reeltime Music are a charity who provide opportunities in the creative industries for disadvantaged young people. The project was started by young people in 1997 and has received £23,800 funding from the Cashback scheme.

This cash has allowed a range of work to take place.

The most recent award of £1800 paid for, among other things, DJ workshops.