AN inspirational art class is bringing New Scots together in Inverclyde.

Colin Pomeroy, who works for the council's community learning and development's New Scots project, contacted a Glasgow artist to lead the sessions and invited all 'New Scots' who have settled in the area to take part.

An exhibition at Wellpark Mid Kirk displayed the work to mark the end of the classes which were held at the church.

Greenock Telegraph:

Colin said: "We had a core of 15 people from Ukraine and Afghanistan who came for around 12 weeks.

"We had yoga afterwards and a creche so people with young children could participate.

"It was the culmination of their journey and you could tell the enjoyment they had, and the talent - some of the pictures were absolutely amazing.

"We really wanted to celebrate that. They really enjoyed it and it was a chance to integrate with other Scots and people from Afghanistan.

Greenock Telegraph:

"It was very visual to overcome any language barriers."

Colin says the group have been involved in several activities, including outdoor yoga, exploring what is on their doorstep such as Finlaystone Country Estate, and going on visits to museums.

He explaind that the main aim of the New Scots project was learning for people to master speaking English when it is not their first language.

He said: "This is embedded in all of our activities, it aims to make people more independent."

 

Greenock Telegraph:

Colin described the exhibition as a great success.

He said: "It was an incredible day, the fact there was an exhibition and the Telegraph was there too added value to the occasion and helped to build self-esteem and confidence."

Colin said that the art project has proved such a success they hope to deliver another block after the Easter holidays.

They are hoping to look at Inverclyde as a topic next time round and the Beacon have indicated that the arts centre is interested in becoming involved.

Colin said: "It demonstrates that it is a worthwhile project."