LNER Customer And Community Fund Helps Keep Highland Community Connected

Red Chair Highland, a community interest company, promotes digital inclusion across a large rural area from its base in Inverness. The team supports communities where connectivity is often limited and access to public devices, such as those in libraries, can be scarce.  

With funding from the LNER Customer and Community Fund, the organisation has bought one hundred refurbished Chromebooks to distribute to individuals of all ages. The devices are helping to support education, improve employability, and strengthen community connections. As part of the project, the social enterprise has also delivered employability workshops. 

Kirsty Adam, Operations Manager at Red Chair Highland, said: “People have told us that the impact of having their own device has been amazing. It has had a massive impact on mental health, wellbeing, and independence. In such a remote region, access to digital services can be incredibly limited. Having a device offers a vital link to the digital world. We support people who may otherwise be unable to access their own technology, and that access is absolutely life changing.” 

Artist, Daye Allan, credits the support he has received with helping him progress his creative career: “At the end of my college degree, I was invited to exhibit my work at a high-profile exhibition in Edinburgh. I was able to write my proposal, prepare articles for local newspapers to promote the exhibition, and share my work online. I ended up selling two paintings and winning two awards—and none of that would have happened without support from Red Chair Highland.” 

Daye is one of those whose stories have been shared in a special short film. 

Rachael Wilson, Community Investment Manager at LNER, said: “The LNER Customer and Community Fund is proud to support organisations like Red Chair Highland that are making a real difference in communities along our route. By improving digital access, this project is helping people unlock opportunities in education, employment, and creativity.” 

The LNER Customer and Community Fund is supporting 17 charities this year, having funded projects for more than 175 charities since it was established in 2018.