Area’s digital future

West Lothian is in prime location to benefit from a digital future.

That was the confident message from Karen Cawte, West Lothian Council’s digital transformation manager, as she revealed the council’s response to Scottish Government proposals on developing national potential. Private industry, public authorities and individuals have been forced to adapt much more quickly than might have happened as services have moved online.

Mrs Cawte, said: “The businesses that have coped best are those who have been able to innovate: pivoting quickly to homeworking, adopting cloud computing for speed and collaborative working, using new digital platforms to access customers and to re-purpose or diversify products and services. Our Digital Transformation Strategy sits comfortably against the proposed national strategy.”

Councillor Chris Horne questioned if the council was willing to work with employers in the county given the success of any digital development was dependent on resources. Mrs Cawte said: “Attracting and retaining skills is going to be the key. I think we are in the prime geographical location between Glasgow and Edinburgh- the third and fourth areas the UK-in terms of developing digital technology.”

Councillor Frank Anderson voiced concern over the cost of connection. Mrs Cawte said there were ways the council could help, including the development of community digital provision and wi- fi and working with communities.