The art group members' triumph came thanks to tutor, Morna Whyte, who nominated them.

Making the journey to Edinburgh as finalists, courtesy of Aberdeen College, the group came away winners after the award ceremony, held at the Edinburgh Hilton Grosvenor Hotel, and were treated to a night at the four star Novotel Eninburgh Centre. The £100 winnings are to be used towards a group project, which is yet to be decided.

ADA, based in Inverurie, invites people with disabilities to get stuck right into a programme of learning through art even though they may never have explored this avenue before.

Speaking about how the course started about four years ago, executive officer of ADA Yvonne Macdonald told the Herald: "I have an interest in art myself and it is a lovely hobby. People often don't think they have talent and then they surprise themselves."

The Inverurie base is used by Aberdeen College as a Community and LifeLong Learning centre, which provides learning in the community, and is ideal for people with disabilities across the board. It has the benefit of being fully accessible and equipped with adjustable seating, an induction loop and many other facilities to help relax and enable the students to learn new skills.

The group meet once a week for a two-hour session of drawing and painting in pastels and watercolour, enjoying a great afternoon of social fun, exploring possibilities and focussing on their ability – what they can do, rather than their disability which may cause logistical problems.

The hardest part of it can sometimes be just getting there – going out can be a major expedition that involves negotiating steps, organising taxis and getting in and out of cars.

Morna, the group's tutor, explained: "The group has moved forward in leaps and bounds. They have learnt to mount and frame their work and some exhibited at the recent Gordon Art Exhibition. Some of the group were total beginners in August last year. To achieve that in such a short time is amazing. They are my crème de la crème and that's why I nominated them.

"Pastels and watercolour are a spontaneous, laissez-faire, medium and the group have found that painting in watercolour is a very enjoyable way to improve concentration, dexterity and positive thinking."
There are seven members in the group, which is currently looking to fill another three places at the Blackhall Industrial Estate premises. Anyone who feels inspired and has any kind of disability is welcome to join – and they can check it out first by paying a visit, going along to watch, or giving it a try before deciding to join.

Classes run from August/September to June/July. There is no cost involved and members become full members of Aberdeen College, which entitles them to use facilities at any of Aberdeen College learning centres, and obtain discounts of 15 per cent for materials. The present crop of students have all gained College certificates and are working towards their SQA Problem Solving assessments.