The Scottish Government has launched a new support programme to help Scottish towns make greater use of digital technologies.
The Digital Towns Pilot Programme will offer funding support and expert industry advice to towns seeking to develop innovative and collaborative digital strategies.
Town centre managers, neighbourhood groups and Business Improvement Districts are being invited to apply for the programme, which aims to deliver travel and tourism benefits, encourage entrepreneurship, and promote social inclusion.
The programme is managed by regular SURF collaborator Scotland’s Towns Partnership (STP). STP’s Chief Executive Phil Prentice said of the pilot:
“Defining what you mean by a “Digital Town” is the starting point for this programme. We need to see digital being deployed more strategically across Scotland and welcome this fund from the Scottish Government, which should help encourage more collaboration and provide us with examples of best practice”.
Further information and details of how to apply are available from the STP website:
The pilot follows the STP publication of Digital Towns Guidance earlier this year, which was drafted with input from key public, private and third sector stakeholders, including SURF.
STP is also SURF’s partner for the Scotland’s Most Improved Place category of the 2017 SURF Awards for Best Practice in Community Regeneration, which is currently open for applications until 18 September. The SURF Awards are supported by the Scottish Government.