Internet fault hits Highland schools

SEVENTY schools in the Highlands were affected by a technical fault which saw their internet systems down for two days.

Primary and secondary schools experienced intermittent problems and were without internet services on Tuesday and Wednesday August 25 and 26.

The technical problem meant schools were unable to access online pupil databases, financial records or email systems.

Fortunately schools in the Highlands keep paper records, including emergency contact details of children.

A Highland council spokesperson said: ‘ The service was unavailable from Tuesday at 10.22am until Wednesday when the service was restored at 8.30pm.’

An unplanned outage caused corruption in the systems.

Stuart at helm of community trust

A LOCAL development officer has been appointed for Kyle and Lochalsh community trust.

Stuart Taylor, former editor of the Lochaber News, moved from Fort William to Kyle earlier this year and aims to use his new role to improve the village.

The 35-year- old ex- Portree high school pupil will start by working to improve marine services for leisure sailors, as well as helping with the trust’s current projects, including the village’s viewpoint, the Plock of Kyle.

Stuart can be contacted at the Kyle and Lochalsh community trust office in Kyle village hall between 9am and 5pm, Monday to Friday or by phone on 01599 534505.

NEW ROLE: Stuart Taylor

Connecting up to broadband grant

BUSINESSES in the Highlands will see a boost after successfully applying for free broadband connection vouchers.

The scheme, funded by the Scottish government’s SuperConnected Cities initiative, provides grants of up to £3,000 to small businesses - 43 of which are in the Highlands.

Highland council leader Margaret Davidson is encouraging business owners to get on board.

She said: ‘ We know how important a fast broadband connection is for businesses and with up to £3,000 worth of installation costs available, this is a great chance to get assistance and open up new or improved ways to do business.’

Visit http://www.connectionvouchers.co.uk/ and enter a post code to find out more.