Community groups in the Highlands and Islands have a high level of technical skills and the confidence to take advantage of the wide range of free and low cost opportunities presented by the worldwide web, according to a new study commissioned by Highlands and Islands Enterprise (HIE).
The findings from the e-communities study, carried out in partnership with Skye and Lochalsh Council for Voluntary Organisations (SLCVO), were shared with 80 delegates attending an innovative e-Day event held at Sabhal Mòr Ostaig.
Niall MacKinnon of Comunn Eachdraidh Shlèite voluntary group said: “This has been a great hands-on event and I have come away from it full of ideas and plans for the way forward. There were lots of activities and I now understand much more about digital archiving and video-conferencing. I have also learned how online technology can help with our group's communication needs. It was a very worthwhile and enjoyable day.”
The study was commissioned to focus on the needs of the voluntary and social enterprise sector throughout the Highlands and Islands to improve the long term sustainability of the voluntary, social enterprise and third sector.
Chrisanne MacDonald, SLCVO co-ordinator. said: “The study looked at the breadth and scale of online activity by community groups in Skye and Raasay. It found that 70% of community groups, who responded to the survey, felt that ICT (information and communication technologies) had enabled them to network more effectively. It also made clear that there are a range of potential benefits that could benefit the way groups operate.”
Time was seen to be one of the main constraints for the 86% who give their time voluntarily, with one respondent commenting that ‘like many, it is it is not the skills we lack - just the time to implement them’.” Unsurprisingly, the use of email is the most extensively used resource amongst community groups, but online services such as discussion forums, file sharing and newsgroups are less widely used.
John Watt, HIE director of strengthening communities, said "E-technology is a vital tool in the regeneration of our more fragile communities. It can enhance the effectiveness and efficiency of social enterprises and an enterprising Third sector, in the delivery of important services, employment creation and the sustainability of active community life."
HIE e-communities development officer Claire Hannah said: “The study demonstrates the benefits of bringing people together in online communities, not just within common interest groups but in sharing experience with the rest of the world. The voluntary sector is a significant feature of life in the Highlands and Islands and by providing communities with the means to support themselves, we can help making them more efficient and more effective.”
A copy of the study can be downloaded here, right.
