After winning through through to the final of the Calor Scottish Community of the Year Awards 2005, the Isle of Berneray community website picked up a commendation in the category of “Community Enhancement through the Internet”.
To quote from the award press release:
In determining the outcome of the awards, the judges sought best practices within community groups, which could be used as examples to others throughout Scotland. “All twelve of this year’s finalists have demonstrated exceptional community focus, with a number enjoying active discussion forums and inclusion,” comments Dr Douglas Cruickshank, Community Enhancement through the Internet judge, and course leader for MSc in e-Business at The Robert Gordon University, Aberdeen.
“The emphasis of this award is firmly on how communities use the Internet to improve local communication and promote community life. Most importantly the sites have to be accessible and easy to navigate rather than focussing on clever design techniques. This has been successfully demonstrated by the Isle of Berneray (www.isleofberneray.com) website and its ‘three clicks’ policy.
The Internet has had a profound effect on how we locate information and a remarkable number of Scottish communities have capitalised on these opportunities to promote interactivity and community spirit. With a population as small as the Isle of Berneray, the website has become a valuable tool in successfully promoting the area and knowledge sharing between residents,” continues Dr Douglas Cruickshank.