Edinburgh-based music group 'absolutely gutted' after van containing instruments stolen

Members of an Edinburgh-based music group have been left “absolutely gutted” after their van was stolen while stocked with instruments and equipment.

Oi Musica’s white Ford Transit, known as Big J, was taken from Westbank Street in Portobello between Sunday night and Monday morning.

Founded in 2011, Oi Musica’s mission is to broaden participation in music.

The not-for-profit organisation runs a range of community music projects, with a focus on young people facing barriers to access and from disadvantaged backgrounds.

Its youth project Brass Blast welcomes 80 people on a weekly basis and won Creative Edinburgh’s Community Award in 2023.

The white Ford Transit was taken from Portobello Oi Musica

A spokesperson for the group said: “We’re absolutely gutted.

“Big J was kitted out to carry everything we need for our community projects, gigs and festivals, and the instruments and gear inside have been with us for years.

“They have been played by thousands of people of all ages who’ve come through Oi Musica, and it’s hard to put a value on that.”

Almost all of the group’s samba drums were inside the van at the time, as well as sousaphones, assorted percussion and other instruments.

Microphone stands and a silent disco kit, containing 20 headsets, two receivers and a custom adapted battery, were also being stored in the van – which bears the registration BJ19 GVC.

The spokesperson added: “That’s a whole lot of fun in a van and all of it was due out this week, from our Brass Blast youth project in East Edinburgh to performances with primary school kids in Greenock and more.

“The van was insured, as was a lot of the music equipment – though not all. Replacing everything is going to take time.”

A Police Scotland spokesperson said: “We received a report of the theft of a van in Westbank Street, Edinburgh, which occurred between 7pm on Sunday, 25 October, and 4pm on Monday, 26 October, 2026.

“Enquiries are at an early stage to establish the full circumstances.”