TEENAGERS across Scotland are being recruited to promote live orchestral music.

The 16 to 18-year-olds will become Young Ambassadors for the Royal Scottish National Orchestra as part of a new initiative to get more young people to attend classical music concerts.

Earlier this year the RSNO launched its Engage programme of performances, workshops and community activities aimed at connecting with schoolchildren nationwide.

More than 20 Young Ambassadors have been appointed to the programme, covering nearly every local authority in the country.

Young Ambassadors will be able to attend RSNO concerts free and will get to know the musicians, artistic team and staff. They will be assigned a mentor who will assist with career development and will have input in the Orchestra's future plans to engage with young people across the country.

This will be open to all young people aged sixteen to eighteen with a passion for music, regardless of whether they are learning an instrument.

The Young Ambassadors will be expected to attend RSNO concerts in their area, promote activities online, create a 'classical music' board in their school or community to highlight opportunities for young people to be involved, and attend five forums across Scotland, to discuss ways in which the RSNO can improve engagement.

Young Ambassador Thea Sands from Renfrewshire said: "It's wonderful to use my love of orchestral music to help others explore the form. I hope to aid the integration of this musical form into youth culture for the future."

Jenn Minchin, RSNO director of learning and engagement, said: "We have been surprised and delighted at the response to our appeal for the Young Ambassador scheme."