Project extended digital access

OVER 100 laptops, tablets and mobile phones have been donated to people across the Stewartry as part of a digital inclusion project. Castle Douglas IT Centre received 132 of the digital devices from members of the public, to be reused by people and organisations in need - pictured. And a grant of £5625 from Stewartry area committee also went on the ‘Increasing Digital Inclusion’ project and in particular helped pay for refurbishment specialist, to turn around the laptops, tablets, and mobile phones. Between October 2024 and September 2025, 132 donated devices were processed, of which 106 were refurbished and made ready for use, while 26 were responsibly recycled. Each one underwent secure data erasure, repair, and reinstallation of operating systems. These devices were then distributed free to people, families, and community organisations across the area. Beneficiaries included NHS Stewartry Public Health Improvement Team, Resonate Creating Communities, Dumfries and Galloway Carers Centre, Home Start, The Johnston School, Kirkcudbright, The Depot, Skills Development Scotland, DG Works, Sleeping Giants, and other local community groups and initiatives.