Interactive communities on countdown to E-day

Social networking and the chance to try out the latest online communication tools is at the heart of e-Day, an interactive gathering of community groups from around the Highlands and Islands at Sabhal Mòr Ostaig on Friday, March 7 and Saturday, March 8.

Organised by Highlands and Islands Enterprise (HIE) in partnership with Skye and Lochalsh Council for Voluntary Services (SCLVO), this interactive event offers a fun day of trying out the latest online tools and the chance to hear the findings of a new e-communities study.

HIE e-communities development officer Claire Hannah said: "Information and Communication Technologies (ICT) offers great potential for community groups. It can help them to work more efficiently and effectively through social networking opportunities, distributing e-newsletters or in marketing their services to the wider community."

An estimated 360 community groups operate in Skye and Raasay. Of the 102 local community groups who responded to the survey, 94% have internet access at home. The study found, however, that the vast majority of groups have limited access to dedicated equipment and often rely on the use of volunteers' own computers, printers and other kit.

Chrisanne MacDonald, SLCVO co-ordinator said: "We offer community groups a wide range of communication tools. Our new video-conferencing facility at Tigh Lisigarry in Portree is a great resource, providing groups with the chance to take part in meetings or training held outside their immediate local area. We also offer PC access to the Funderfinder database containing details of over 4,000 grant making trusts, with wireless internet connection enabling further research online. Those groups attending e-Day will have the opportunity to explore ways of accessing funding for ICT projects in one of the workshops. We look forward to this exciting event and to sharing information with the community groups attending."

"Many of the issues arising from the e-communities study will be addressed by e-Day, by providing groups with the best possible access to quality information and expert led workshops," added Claire. "There is a real opportunity for groups to embrace the more interactive aspects of the internet, such as online discussion forums and blogs".

One of the many exciting features of e-day is the chance to experience Remote Impact, a 'sports over a distance' game developed by Distance Lab. This unique research institute, based in the Highlands, is exploring ways to manage the impact of distance between individuals and communities with cutting edge digital media and communication technologies.

HIE head of enterprising communities Chris Higgins said: "ICT is clearly embedded into the way that community groups operate, but there are opportunities to develop this knowledge. In helping communities to become more aware of the potential benefits of ICT, they will have knowledge of the tools to improve the long term sustainability of the voluntary and social enterprise sector throughout the Highlands and Islands."

e-Day is free to attend by community groups and development workers. To register your place contact Solas Business Services online at www.solas-events.co.uk, tel: 01599 534999 or by email: rachel@solas-biz.co.uk by Monday 3rd March. More information can be found at http://slcvo.org.uk/ecommunities.