A web portal to provide community organisations in Argyll with a manageable and cost effective mechanism to have their own websites was launched today (Friday 28th October) by George Lyon MSP.

The Argyll Communities Web Portal will be available to the estimated 12,000 community groups in the area to enable them to create and manage their own mini websites within the portal.

The web portal has been established with £11,000 funding from Argyll and the Islands Enterprise (AIE), £11,000 from the European Community Economic Development programme and £2,000 from Scottish Enterprise Dunbartonshire.

At the official launch of the new service, which took place at AIE's offices in Lochgilphead, there was a demonstration of the web portal site by Louise Logue, Argyll Council for Voluntary Services (ACVS), who will promote and manage the project. Community organisations will have pay a small annual fee of £40 to the ACVS for the service.

Gordon Hutton of Mid Argyll Arts Association, who has already signed up for the service, said: "We are looking forward to sharing a web site because we will reach many people who are not aware of our association. We have 240 members who receive our newsletters, but feel this web site will attract new people and raise awareness of our organisation."

George Lyon, MSP for Argyll and Bute, welcomed the initiative. He said: "This portal will provide new opportunities for over 12,000 community groups.  It will boost community links, raise awareness and provide better access to services and organisations in the Argyll area.

"This project is an excellent example of the benefits of new technology and partnership working.  I have no doubt this project will be a great success, boosting community involvement and economic development in the area."

Murdina Macdonald, deputy chief executive at AIE welcomed the launch of the project. "This is a good example of public and voluntary sector partnership. The web portal will support community groups to create and maintain an online presence, which will help promote their work.

"This is part of a range of work carried out in partnership with the voluntary sector, public bodies and businesses.  Further projects will be the creation of a social economy data base for Argyll and Bute, encompassing Clyde Islands, which AIE are part-funding with Communities Scotland for the Argyll Local Social Economy Partnership," she added.