The grant from the Community Grant Fund will support Drake Music Scotland’s Musicspace programme which provides group and one-to-one tuition sessions for 50 disabled adults and children in fully equipped and accessible music studios in Craigmillar.

From April 2017 to March 2018 the participants, many of whom live in the local area of Craigmillar and are Castle Rock Edinvar tenants, will take part in weekly group and one-to-one music sessions where they will learn how to play music either on instruments or gadgets such as iPads. Some of the groups will work towards a performance at Drake Music Scotland’s 20th Anniversary concert at The Queen’s Hall in May 2018.

The grant will pay for specialist trained musicians who will lead the sessions and teach participants how to play traditional instruments such as guitars and keyboards, or use digital instruments. They use a digital system invented to make playing instruments easier for those with learning difficulties and allowing them to practise independently at home and progress onto difficult pieces and, in some cases, take exams.

Thursa Sanderson OBE, Drake Music Scotland chief executive, said: “We are delighted to receive this award from the Castle Rock Edinvar to support our Musicspace plans in 2017/18 including a special concert in May 2018 to celebrate our 20th Anniversary. Getting the chance to learn to play music and show others what you can do will make a big difference to our participants’ confidence levels, communications skills and ability to lead a more independent life.”

Heather Macnaughton, head of community investment, added: “We’re delighted to provide support to Drake Music Scotland. They have been located in SPACE, our accommodation for social enterprise and charities in the heart of Craigmillar, since it was developed and brings a much valued and innovative service to this area.”