Berneray shortlisted for Calor Scottish Community of the Year 2005 Internet award
The Isle of Berneray community website has been announced as a finalist of the special Community Enhancement Through the Internet Award by organisers of the Calor Scottish Community of the Year Awards 2005. Dr. Doug Cruickshank, e-Business MSc course leader at The Robert Gordon University, and the principal judge of the category, feels the twelve finalists are distinctive in their excellent promotion of community life: "The twelve shortlisted community websites are all different, but one thing they have in common is a community focus. The title of the award emphasises the importance we place on community enhancement, and these websites all centre on ways in which they can help their community improve. The Internet has changed the way we do business, and many communities groups have capitalised on local expertise to help reach a wider audience. This invariably reduces isolation and enhances communication as well as promoting local tourism and business development. A remarkable number of communities have realised the potential of the Internet, and have set up fantastically accessible websites. Choosing an overall winner will be an arduous task." The award runs as a stand-alone category of the Calor Scottish Community of the Year Awards and was introduced to recognise the ways in which communities utilise technology and the Internet to improve all aspects of community life. Commenting on the website award, Hamish Husband, Calor Scottish Community of the Year Manager, said: "We have seen a year on year increase in the interest in the Community Enhancement through the Internet Awards. This year saw dozens of entries from 16 different local authority areas throughout the land. This underlines the scope of the Calor Scottish Community of the Year Awards. Reaching the shortlist is something to be proud of." The judges look at a number of factors when considering the award, including ease of navigation, community involvement and the services provided. Interactive facilities and how accessible the website is to all members of the community is also taken into consideration. All twelve finalists are listed below. ClacksNet Dalbeattie Community Council/Initiative Edderton Village Community Website Eddleston Village Website Isle of Berneray Community Council Lochwinnoch Community Council Maybole Community Website
Orkney Communities Port Glasgow Community Information Portobello Community Council : Portobello Online Raasay Community Website Skye and Lochalsh Community Toolkit 
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