Celebrations marking the London 2012 festival leading up to the Olympics have been kicked off in Scotland.
A 12-week celebration is taking place across the UK, and brings together leading artists from across the world.
The Raploch housing scheme in Stirling played host to the opening concert on Thursday, where Venezuelan conductor Gustavo Dudamel led the Simon Bolivar Orchestra in front of a crowd of some 8000 people in the heart of the estate.
And young people from the estate took to the stage to perform alongside the 200 Venezuelan musicians.
They have been learning orchestral instruments and playing music together in the Big Noise Orchestra since 2008.
The project was led by charity Sistema Scotland. It is inspired by El Sistema, the Venezuelan project which has transformed the lives of thousands of children through classical music.
Ruth Mackenzie, London 2012 Festival director, said: "Sistema Scotland sums up beautifully the values of the London 2012 Festival - world class excellence combining the talent of local young people with their hero Gustavo Dudamel and his amazing orchestra from Venezuela."
Richard Holloway, chairman of Sistema Scotland said: "There is no clearer indicator that Raploch has arrived as a major force on the cultural map.
"This wee housing estate in Stirling has joined the ranks of the Royal Albert Hall, Usher Hall and Royal Festival Hall. Who could ever have predicted that?"
Meanwhile, young people in Edinburgh have been battling it out to win the chance to perform in London during the Olympics.
They showed off their skills on a public stage on Wednesday, hoping to be chosen to take part in a showcase later this year.
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