Local SNP MSP Derek Mackay has recently visited Kirklandneuk Community Centre to donate over £500 from his councillor salary, to their Learning Centre, which is run jointly with Reid Kerr College. 


The centre, which Mr Mackay opened earlier this year, will be running a Digital Focus Group, aiming to provide digital inclusion for youths aged 8-12 from the Renfrew district. 

With the support of the Kirklandneuk Management Committee and the use of the local Colleges community based learning centre facility, they operate a Cyber Café on Wednesday evenings 4-7pm, offering a focal point for youths to engage in a positive way.

The Café also intends to address the 'digital divide' that exists in many low income families, enabling a smoother transitional period for young people moving from primary into secondary education.

The youth workers in the cyber cafe make use of digital media as a way to engage with young people and the much needed money will be able to purchase two high tech digital cameras and tripod to use to record their life in the local community.

Commenting Mr Mackay said:

"I am delighted to be able to give something back to the community centre I went to when I was just a kid.  To represent the area is an honour, and to give a bit of financial support back from my council fund is a pleasure.

"Young or old, having the skills and confidence in this digital age is so important, and I am really impressed with the projects the group have undertaken.  

“The local young people have taken an interest in their community and the opportunities open to them, and made the digital group a real success.”