Argyll Communities Web Portal Launch

The Argyll Communities Web Portal was launched on Friday 28 October 2005 by George Lyon MSP. This web portal has been established with £11,000 funding from Argyll and the Islands Enterprise (AIE), £11,000 from the European Community Economic Development programme and £2,000 from Scottish Enterprise Dumbartonshire.

	At the launch of the new service, which took place at AIE's offices in Lochgilphead, there was a demonstration of the web portal site by Louise Logue of Argyll Council for Voluntary Services. Louise will promote and manage the project.
Gordon Hutton of Mid Argyll Arts Association, who has already signed up for the service, said "We are looking forward to sharing a web site because we will reach many people who are not aware of our association. We have240 members who receive our newsletters, but feel this web site will attract new people and raise awareness of our organisation.
	George Lyon, MSP for Argyll and Bute, welcomed the initiative. He said "This portal will provide new opportunities for over 12,000 community groups.It will boost community links, raise awareness and provide better access to services and organisations in the Argyll area.
Murdina Macdonald with Dave Newman of Plexus Media Ltd the designers of the webportal and Louise Logue of Argyll CVS who will manage the project. Murdina, Depute Chief Executive at AIE welcomed the launch of the project. "This is a good example of public and voluntary sector partnership. The web portal will support community groups to create and maintain an online presence, which will help promote their work.
	George Lyon , MSP for Argyll and Bute, after the launch, with Wilma McKenzie, the artist who designed the Argyll Communities banner for the webportal.