In this remote corner of Scotland internet access and online community is transforming the way that people work, live and relate to others. Wouldn't you have thought that someone in social planning would have realised the importance of broadband long ago? BT have set the trigger level for the Isle of Seil at 100 households. I doubt there are more than 230 houses on the island. It does not take a genius to work out the percentage take-up required. I am not usually a Victor-Meldrew-style oldie…but that has got to be ridiculous. There has been an effective campaign to encourage folks to sign-up as interested, but even so at 69 so far I wonder if the predicted trigger date of April this year is realistic. In the meantime we have to put up with constant dialling up and being knocked offline by ISP's plus slow speeds. The islands of Luing and Easdale are in an even worse state – no targets set – the only hope being in radio or satellite connections.
It was 30years ago that I was first sold a business computer package that promised the delights of email. And it is only within the last four or five years that this has become acceptable in everyday business transactions.