SINGING together is proving instrumental in helping one South Side community cope with lockdown.

And it is going a long way to lifting people’s spirits thanks to the local orchestra in Govan.

Govan’s own orchestra The Glasgow Barons, as featured recently in the Glasgow Times, has been running hugely-popular music sessions at Govan Cross each Wednesday.

But members of the community are also participating in online singalong sessions and one-to-one coaching to beat the lockdown blues.

It is being paid for thanks to Scottish Government funding distributed locally by the three local housing associations – Elderpark, Govan and Linthouse - along with regeneration group Govan Thriving Place.

The Govan Glee Club delivers 30 minute one-to-one coaching to help individuals learn favourite show choir songs.

The Linties is a weekly singalong of old standards and classic tunes – particularly popular with older people.

Both are free and delivered via the Zoom communications platform to comply with current social distancing rules and are delivered by Govan resident Paul MacAlindin - Artistic Director of The Glasgow Barons.

The Glasgow Barons takes its name from the shipbuilding barons who presided over Govan’s world beating maritime industrial prowess.

Paul said: “Music has widely recognised therapeutic values and the money we have received will help people enjoy music more - especially during the ongoing health emergency.

“The Linties and The Govan Glee Club are important ways of encouraging people to enjoy music.”

A spokeswoman for Elderpark, Govan and Linthouse Housing Associations said: “The work of The Glasgow Barons and Paul’s inspirational leadership are well known within our communities.

“Anything that lifts people’s spirits during a difficult time is to be welcomed and is typical of how local organisations have found new ways of helping people at a time when it is needed most.”

Further details are available at the orchestra’s website www.glasgowbarons.com or by email to theglasgowbarons@gmail.com