Scottish Opera brought The Barber of Seville to Gilmerton recently, giving 16 people from the area the opportunity to take in an opera workshop.

Locals enjoyed the aid of props, costumes, musicians, instruments and a variety of vocal warm-ups and percussion sessions and participants were able to tackle singing in Italian.

South Edinburgh woman, Judith Welsh, said, "It's been great fun, they made me feel welcome and I didn't think I would be able to learn Italian as easily as I did in the workshop."

To complete the process, everyone was involved in designing and making the set as well as customising their own costumes, before performing in a dress rehersal, the grand finale.

For more information on local adult learning opportunities call Melinda Peto on 664 5101.