Iraq orchestra in Fringe race

THE “bravest orchestra in the world”, from war-torn Iraq, faces a race against time to perform at the Fringe.

Despite the Scottish Government part-financing the trip with £100,000 seized from proceeds of crime, the National Youth Orchestra of Iraq is still £86,000 short.

The orchestra, which is run by a Scot, is scheduled to perform on August 26 at the Fringe.

It has until May 29 to raise the necessary shortfall.

Musical director Paul MacAlindin, 43, said: “The Iraqi government cannot guarantee support because Iraq is not a culture at this time that is ready to support classical music.”