COUNCIL leaders have not met with the heads of Britain's national youth orchestra organisation, more than three months after promising urgent talks to stop the body relocating from Edinburgh.

The National Association of Youth Orchestras (NAYO) is one of the most important cultural bodies in the Capital and has been based in the city for nearly 30 years. But the body is considering moving to London, which insiders believe would attract more government funding aimed at youth music in England.

In January, city education leader Marilyne MacLaren said she would hold urgent talks with the group.

But under questioning from Labour's culture spokesman Paul Godzik at a council meeting yesterday, it emerged that no meeting has taken place.

Cllr MacLaren said five dates for a meeting had been offered to the NAYO, but turned down – and a date has now finally been agreed.

But Cllr Paul Godzik said: "The National Association of Youth Orchestras plays an important role in the Edinburgh cultural sector.

"I would have expected that after three months, at the very least, a meeting would have taken place, both to ensure their headquarters remain in Edinburgh, and that the Festival of British Youth Orchestras remains a part of the Edinburgh Festival Fringe.

"With the Lib Dem/SNP administration removing funding without notice to Scottish Opera and Scottish Ballet, this is another example of their shabby treatment and disregard to the cultural sector."

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