The west coast islands of Islay and Jura were launched into cyber space at the annual Islay Show today (Thursday 10th August) in an initiative which aims to help regenerate the islands' economies and improve the quality of life for islanders.

The Islay Jura website will allow local businesses to promote themselves to a world-wide audience, which will have positive spin-offs for tourism and inward investment. It could also allow for education on-line and tele-medicine. The sophisticated facility has been established by a partnership involving Argyll and the Islands Enterprise (AIE), BT Scotland, Argyll and Bute Council, the Islay Development Company (IDC) and local business and voluntary groups.

Visitors to the Islay Show were given a preview of the Islay and Jura website, www.islay-jura.com, ahead of its national launch in the autumn.

The islands were selected for the project because they are special priority areas for AIE, with a downturn in farming and fishing industries in recent years adding to the problems of remoteness. However, Islay and Jura were also ideal candidates for the first step in BT Scotland's 'electronic island' programme as both already make good use of IT with projects such as a cyber café and local newspaper website.

AIE, part of the Highlands and Islands Enterprise (HIE) network, is investing £68,500 in the £148,500 project - which includes a feasibility study into the establishment of a mini call centre on Islay.

Ken Abernethy, chief executive of AIE said: "This is a significant project for Islay and Jura which will incorporate e-commerce, sustainable job creation, skills development, education, health and many other things.

"Through IT, we can help diversify the economies of islands or remote communities reducing vulnerability and improving business competitiveness."

BT Scotland's head of strategic partnerships, Brendan Dick said: "It is highly important that Scotland's communities realise the huge potential of the new digital world. This will allow everyone to stay local but compete in a global age.

"I am pleased that Islay is embracing new technology to help transform island life and assist its businesses export much more effectively. Islanders have had a very hands on approach to the new web portal and they will continue to develop this project with our support and that of our partners.

"The Electronic Island concept is part of a series of initiatives being developed by BT Scotland to secure a completely Electronic Scotland."