Construction is underway on a new home for the Royal Scottish National Orchestra (RSNO) in Glasgow.

The purpose-built rehearsal and recording facility and 600-seat music venue is being constructed at a cost of £17.6m.

The RSNO was tasked with achieving a fundraising target of £2m before construction began.

A £1.25m grant from Creative Scotland and a number of generous donors mean it has exceeded the target.

It is now on track to raise an additional £1m to fit out the new build.

A public appeal to raise the remaining £500,000 starts from today.

The plans for the new wing include dedicated learning and education facilities, with flexible sensory areas and integrated digital technologies for recording, composing, broadcasting music, and connecting with communities across Scotland and further afield.

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The building will also feature enhanced foyer spaces for audiences and visitors, a music library for the Orchestra’s archive, small ensemble rehearsal rooms and administrative and technical offices for the Orchestra and stores for its equipment.

RSNO Chief Executive Michael Elliott said: "The RSNO has met its financial commitment to begin construction of its new home and together with increased investment from the Scottish Government and Glasgow City Council and welcome contribution from Creative Scotland the project team will meet the complex challenges of the build to provide world class music facilities.

"The outcome will deliver a bespoke rehearsal and recording space, exceptional education and learning facilities and a recital venue, providing a valuable addition to the country’s cultural venues. For the RSNO the new home will serve as a platform for Scotland’s national orchestra to efficiently and effectively build its reputation and increase its ability to engage and communicate with communities across Scotland. I am delighted to report that we have raised all the funds required for building construction to commence and, in addition to this, have raised half of the £1m required to fit out our new home."

(IT)