SCOTLAND’S first record label for former prisoners has been given the backing of an official motion to the Scottish Parliament.

As previously told by the Glasgow Times, Conviction Records was founded by Jill Brown last year, offering former inmates a rehabilitation pathway through recording music.

The social enterprise has now set up a crowdfunder to sign its first recording artist Ryan Kershaw.

And the move has been backed by East Dunbartonshire MSP Rona Mackay.

Her Scottish Parliament motion, backed by several MSPs throughout Scotland, “pays tribute” to both Jill and the record label for seeking to improve outcomes for those with experience of the criminal justice system.

Rona said: “I was delighted to sing their praises in the Scottish Parliament.

“Conviction Records are a leading example of the dynamic, holistic approach to ex-offender rehabilitation that exists in Scotland.

"As a social enterprise – Scotland’s first recording label for former prisoners – I am delighted to back them in improving the outcomes for ex-offenders.

"Jill and everyone associated with Conviction Records should be rightly proud of the work they’re achieving, seeking to go from strength to strength to, quite literally, give a voice to those with lived experience of the criminal justice system.

Jill said: "Doing something new is never easy and it makes such a difference to have our work highlighted in the Scottish Parliament and recognised by Rona, who is clearly passionate about the rehabilitation of offenders.

“The motion is a real encouragement to all of us at Conviction Records and we’d like to thank Rona and her colleagues for their support."