A new network to improve community access to information technology across the Lochaber region has been officially launched today.

The Lochaber Communications Network (LCNL) was formed last year and currently manages a rural resource centre equipped with IT and internet facilities in Kinlochleven.

Further resource centres are to be established in late spring in Mallaig, Acharacle and Kilchoan and plans for a further four centres in the region are in the pipeline.

The Kinlochleven centre was opened today by Maureen MacMillan MSP. She said: "Advances in Information and Communication Technology (ICT) have proved a tremendous boon for the Highlands allowing communities to access and make use of the world wide web and e-mail.

"LCNL employs a part-time support worker who can help local people gain the skills they need to make the best use of this technology. No-one should feel afraid of ICT and I would urge everyone in the community to take the opportunity to learn, be it for business use or personal development."

LCNL is a partnership project between Lochaber Limited, Highland Council, Voluntary Action Lochaber and Lochaber College. It is funded by Scottish Executive through the 'Working for Communities Pathfinder Fund' which helps promote community involvement in local development.

Chairman of LCNL Cllr Drew MacFarlane Slack was delighted to see the resource centre up and running. He said: "This facility will provide better access to services and information for residents in Kinlochleven. The local community body, the Kinlochleven user group, has worked hard to ensure that the LCNL project is set to deliver services appropriate to the Kinlochleven community."

The LCNL information directory can be accessed on their website on www.lcnl.org.uk. The site also provides a discussion forum on local issues. Any community interested in establishing a rural resource centre should contact LCNL development worker, Helen Turnbull on 01397 704326.