This item was published during the term of a previous administration that ended in April 2007
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Henry McLeish says icScotland an example of internet excellence
23/03/2000
BUSIBA new Internet site which provides local information on lifestyle issues, arts and entertainment in Scotland as well as a comprehensive business directory was launched today by Minister for Enterprise and Lifelong Learning, Henry McLeish.
icScotland is a £2.4 million initiative by the New Media company and is aimed at the general public and Scotland's business community.
Speaking at the launch hosted by the Daily Record and Sunday Mail, Mr McLeish said:
"We have to awaken a hunger for e-commerce not just across our business community but society as a whole.
"I am impressed by the fact that icScotland provides not only information about good opportunities for Scottish businesses but also information for the wider community. icScotland aims to give the community a chance to take part in local, national and international events that are important to them like education, the arts and entertainment.
"We must be creative and innovative in exploiting the Internet to benefit business organisations and apply that creativity to promote the inclusion of the socially and economically disadvantaged in our society. This will ensure that the opportunities presented by the Internet are accessible to everyone.
"The Scottish Executive is committed to ensuring that all society has the opportunity to play full part in the information age. We recently announced a £23million initiative to give people wider access to IT training and skills.
"We are experiencing a technological revolution that is changing our society to the same extent as the industrial revolution. It is changing the way we do business, the way we learn and even the way we live. Many people see this as a threat but I see it as a great opportunity.
"But we must make sure Scotland is at the forefront of this revolution making the most of all the possibilities presented by it. Scotland must be a European hub for e-commerce and use it to compete on an equal footing with the very best in the world.
"This launch highlights the role the Internet has to play in the modern Scotland and I am delighted to be able to play a part in it today."
BACKGROUND
1. icScotand is a Scottish lifestyle portal providing localised information on lifestyle issues, arts and entertainment and a comprehensive guide to what's on in and around Glasgow and Edinburgh.
2. Its function is also to promote local businesses with a fully integrated business directory which will deliver both a local and international market to Scottish companies. It also provides web design and a management package relevant to business needs. As well as the launch of icScotland, 200 new businesses will also be launched online.
3. icScotland also facilitates online communication between individuals, communities and businesses. The portal enables individuals, community groups and educational establishments to become stakeholders in the service by providing them with icScotland channels.
4. New Media is owned by the Trinity Mirror Group. The team consists of personnel representing Design, Production, Sales, Editorial and Marketing. They received £2.4 million pounds from the Trinity Mirror Group and have subsequently launched icScotland.
News Release: SE0807/2000
23 Mar 2000