Glasgow's arts community has rallied round a talented musician who is under threat of deportation.

Friends say Robert Makutsa came to the city from Kenya seven years ago and has worked an an audio engineer and musician with a variety of big-name bands.

But Robert was last week detained for overstaying his visa - despite claiming that he was not told his application to remain in the UK had not been successful.

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Now a group of audio engineers, lighting engineers and technical managers from performing art venues from around Scotland are appealing to First Minister Nicola Sturgeon to keep Robert in Scotland.

They have set up a Change.org petition that has so far gained more than 2300 signatures backing Robert.

Brian Reynolds, of west end music venue The Hug and Pint and who runs Synergy Concerts, said: "Robert is being subjected to the policy implementation of immigration targets set by politicians not based in Scotland and with no concern about Scotland's wellbeing.

"Glasgow’s rebirth as a genuine city of cultural tourism has everything to do with hardworking people like Robert and nothing to do with those who look to others as the cause of their problems."

Brian has also worked to gain support for Robert with an email to Glasgow's music community that reads: "I worked closely with Robert for four years at The Arches where he was an audio technician and often found side of stage controlling the on stage sound for Martha Reeves & The Vandellas, Damon Albarn's Africa Express Tour, RZA, Gretchen Peters, De La Soul, Band of Skulls, Passenger, Lucy Rose, Alasdair Gray, Nina Nesbitt, RM Hubbert, Manchester Orchestra, T in the Park, Gabrielle Aplin, Siobhan Wilson, Admiral Fallow and many many more.

"He was rock solid during this time, consistently delivering extremely demanding productions and turnarounds and always with a courteous smile, even when 14 hours into a shift.

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"This is an outrageous imposition on Scotland's Arts community by the immigration authorities and we must unite to ensure that Robert is permitted to stay in the country where he is contributes so much and where he is valued and loved."

Brian said Robert is currently not allowed to work but is still paying rent and council tax on his Cessnock home.

He is calling for people to write to their MPs and ask them to overturn the decision to deport Robert, who has now been released from detention.

A Scottish Government spokesperson said: “We are sympathetic to those who have difficulties navigating the complex and increasingly restrictive UK Immigration rules.

"The UK Government’s focus on arbitrarily reducing net migration irrespective of what value migrants might bring, what skills shortages they could address, or what contribution they could make to our economy and society, is wrong for Scotland and is harming our economic prospects.”

The petition is available at www.change.org/p/first-minister-of-scotland-help-secure-robert-s-stay-in-scotland