Community internet activity
The Highlands and Islands has many active communities, as is evidenced by the large number of community websites which have been developed – many with the assistance of HIE’s Local Enterprise Companies (LECs). We believe that this is a very real demonstration of the resourcefulness and skills of our communities, and we are keen to support them.
As an illustration of the range and diversity of community internet activity in the Scottish Highlands and Islands, we offer links to many of these sites. Our listing is not exhaustive, but it gives a very clear picture of what has been developed.
We aim to keep these links up to date through a partnership with the area’s voluntary sector but, for the time being, if you have a site which is not included and you would like it to be, please contact Dave Smillie to discuss. Inclusion is at HIE’s discretion, but will primarily be guided by our criteria that groups should be formally constituted, voluntary, and with membership open to the community as a whole – and that the site be for community benefit. Note: We can take no responsibility for the accuracy or appropriateness of information contained in sites accessed through this listing.
We see many benefits from communities having their own sites:
- It helps communities network with each other – a problem shared is a problem halved; there is best practice in community development in all corners of the Highlands and Islands, and IT contacts can be one of the best ways for remote communities to share their experience.
- It helps the world to find out about the communities of the Highlands and Islands. Whether it is companies looking to relocate, tourists curious about visiting, people of Highland or Island origin wishing to trace their roots – or newcomers interested in settling, there is a huge demand for detailed information about the Highlands and Islands.
- The development, establishment and maintenance of a website speaks volumes about the capacity within a community – in terms of cohesion, organisation, forward thinking and IT skills; it also says a lot about how the community feels about itself – how proud it is of what it is and does, and how keen it is to let the world know.
We are aware that there are moves elsewhere in Scotland to establish parallel links, and we will include information on how to access these as soon as they are known.
Meanwhile, happy e-travelling in the Highlands and Islands. We hope you enjoy meeting the people in our communities.
Use the links below to access our community websites
and search for links by Local Enterprise Company area. |