Lybster community company's IT boost
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CAITHNESS communities have been boosted by an innovative project to recycle old computers from Highland Council’s latest IT upgrade.
After snapping up eight laptops, a PC and a printer, a local community organisation is now running internet training for more and more residents, along with classes on word processing, use of spreadsheets and even digital photo editing.
Latheron, Lybster and Clyth Community Development Company (LLCCDC) had already raised funds to buy half-a-dozen other computers but the free, former council equipment allowed them to take activities at their resource centre to a new level.
The pre-Christmas boost will also benefit those in the Berriedale and Dunbeath Community Council area, said company secretary Eric Larnach.
"We deliver a variety of valuable community activities, from gardening to first aid, but this has enabled us to expand our courses to include genealogy, healthy eating, job search, computing and the internet to help local people develop up-to-the-minute skills and techniques for domestic, business and recreation purposes," he said.
Up to 3500 computers have been distributed to community, charitable and other groups across the Highlands in the project funded by technology company Fujitsu and the council as the local authority replaces office and school IT systems.
The council’s upgrading programme is designed to reduce energy use and carbon emissions, as well as cut operating costs and improve services. The redundant computer equipment is renovated for re-use by Forres-base social enterprise ReBOOT instead of going to landfill, funded by over £300,000 from Fujitsu.
Jim Brophy, client director Scotland at Fujitsu, said: "This is a great new and productive use for this equipment in the Highlands, where we are looking to help grow business in the information technology sector, and where we see community wellbeing as a vital part of our involvement here."
The council’s civic leader for Caithness Gail Ross, also hailed the donation.
"This recycling and distribution scheme combines remarkable community, environmental and economic benefits right across the region," she said.
"Here in Caithness, the LLCCDC have harnessed the opportunity to further enhance their community development work, improving opportunities and quality of life for individuals and localities."
