After fifteen years at the helm of Sistema Scotland, we bid farewell to our inspirational founding Chief Executive, Nicola Killean OBE, as she becomes Scotland's next Commissioner for Children &

Young People.

Benny Higgins, Chairman of the Board of Sistema Scotland, said: "This is a wonderful recognition of Nicola’s enduring commitment to supporting and promoting the very best outcomes for children and young people throughout her career.

Nicola’s leadership of Sistema Scotland has been exemplary and impressive; from the establishment and testing of the very first Big Noise programme in Raploch, Stirling working then with 35 children in 2008, through the growth of the organisation to one of national significance working with 3,500 children and young people in six targeted communities across Scotland, all backed by an extensive evidence base of independent evaluation.

Nicola will leave Sistema Scotland with the enormous gratitude of the Board and our very best wishes for her exciting and important new role in which we know she will excel."

Past and present Big Noise participants and staff were out in force at Big Noise Raploch yesterday to form a special alumni orchestra, as we bid farewell to Nicola in true Big Noise style, performing a spectacular community concert - with Nicola herself taking part and playing with the orchestra for one last time! 

Through her vision, passion and dedication she has changed the lives of thousands of children and young people across Scotland through Big Noise. We wish Nicola every success in her new role and we know that she will continue to be a fierce champion for Scotland's youth. Thank you for the inspirational leadership you have provided for all of us and for your unwavering belief in the children, young people and families of the Big Noise communities.

We are excited to progress with recruitment for the next CEO of Sistema Scotland and further updates will be available in due course.