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Last updated: 24 June 2009
14 September 2005
Jim Murphy MP visits remote spots
Jim Murphy, Cabinet Office Minister with responsibility for e-government today visited the Isle of Lewis, northernmost island in the Outer Hebrides, to see how IT helps improve the lives of people in remote areas.
The Minister visited a number of different IT projects on the Island, witnessing first hand how technology was assisting local residents, including a crofter who uses IT to manage his sheep and trade on the mainland.
He spoke with children at North Lochs School, in Stornoway about the broadband technology that helps bring classroom work to life, and puts the world at their fingertips despite their remote location.
Jim Murphy said: “What struck me most was the enthusiasm of the pupils I met who have embraced the technology at their fingertips. The broadband access they enjoy makes sure they benefit from the same IT-enabled education enjoyed by pupils across the rest of the UK.”
The Minister also met Neil McLeod, crofter and Chairman of the Lewis/Harris Sheep producers association. He uses IT to manage geno-typing of sheep, a process that enables him to sell the meat to supermarkets outside of Lewis.
Jim Murphy said: “The way Neil McLeod uses IT to enable the day-to-day workings of his crofter’s enterprise is a case study in how technology can make all the difference to remote businesses, securing their competitiveness despite their location.”
The Minister also visited the Connected Communities Broadband Project, based at Sir E Scott School in Tarbet. This project has enabled local residents and companies to share a computer network with local schools, Community Centres and Health Centres on the island, giving them easy access to information about local services.
Finally, the Minister visited a Consumer Direct centre on the Island, a helpline and online advice service providing practical advice to consumers. He sat with phone operators to watch them in action as they dealt with incoming calls.
The Isle of Lewis is home to the Scottish division of Consumer Direct, one of eight regional bases around the UK. The service based in Shawbost has taken almost 100,000 calls since it opened last year, and benefits from a case-handling software jointly developed by Western Isles Council and the Telecoms Service Centre. That software is so effective it will soon be adopted by Consumer Direct centres across the UK.
Jim Murphy added: “The way technology has been used on the Isle of Lewis is an exemplary demonstration of the way IT can have a real impact in people’s lives.
“In addition to meeting the challenges posed by the island’s geographical remoteness, the IT has helped improve the quality of the public services they receive. From school children to consumers, to small local businesses and residents alike, technology has made welcome changes throughout the whole community.”
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