Caithness.org News Index

Front Page Archives

COMMUNITY GROUPS COUP ON COUNCIL COMPUTERS 16 September 03
Highland Council And Fujitsu Donate Over 900 Computers To Voluntary Sector In Highland

Voluntary and community organisations throughout Highland are to receive donations of over 900 computers from The Highland Council and their information technology partner Fujitsu over the next two months.

As part of The Highland Council�s programme of modernising local government to meet Scottish Executive targets, the Council and Fujitsu are upgrading all computers used by staff.  This first phase of modernisation will create over 900 computers surplus to the Council�s requirements which are being recycled by the Mobius Project, donated by Fujitsu and distributed by the Council to community based organisations in the Highland area.

Councillor David Alston, Chairman of The Highland Council�s Renewing Democracy & Community Planning Select Committee said: �Opportunities are increasing week by week for Community Councils and other community groups to access information from and communicate with The Highland Council, the Scottish Executive and many other bodies. These 900 computers will not only help with the day to day administration of community groups - they have the potential to help keep communities on-line, in touch and in control.�

Alastair Millar, Fujitsu�s Service Delivery Manager said: �As the Council�s strategic IT partner, Fujitsu are delighted to be able to help build Internet capability within Highland communities. These PC�s will be a valuable resource allowing communities to access the Internet in support of their work. We were also keen to extend our relationship with a �The Mobius Project� in Golspie allowing them to further develop the service they provide to the community.� 

The Council and Fujitsu have teamed up with �The Mobius Project� a computer recycling group based in Golspie, Sutherland. Mobius is a non-profit making charity with environmental aims to reduce waste by refurbishing and recycling redundant computer equipment donated by individuals and organisations. Mobius not only helps the environment but also gives charities, community groups, and individuals who can show a need, the chance to buy a computer at a low cost. They also provide training opportunities for their volunteer workforce.

Councillor Ian Ross, Chairman of The Highland Council's Sustainable Development Select Committee and Councillor for Golspie said, "The Highland Council is committed to waste minimisation and the principle of re-using and recycling materials and equipment. This exercise will provide a fine example for other organisations to follow. Golspie is also increasingly seen as the "green" centre of the Highlands, with the presence of the Mobius project  and the existence of a kerbside waste paper collection, supported by paper shredding and composting - some 40% of the village's domestic waste is now recycled through community effort. This gives real meaning to the word sustainability."

Peter Barns, Mobius Project Manager said: �It's really great to see The Highland Council and their partner Fujitsu leading the way in the Highlands and Islands with this refurbishment and recycling scheme. Not only is this helping the environment, but local employment as well."

All computers provided through the Council, Mobius and Fujitsu partnership will have modems and be internet ready, and are loaded with basic software. They will be of a reasonable specification, and will have been safety checked and tried and tested prior to despatch.

Groups in Highland can apply online at the Mobius Project web site.