A new state-of-the-art digital learning centre providing free internet and computer access has opened at Edinburgh’s Slateford Green Community Centre.

The City of Edinburgh Council’s housing leader, Councillor Gavin Barrie, joined tenants from Slateford Green to officially open the city’s first ‘Click & Connect’ centre last week.

The centre is run by Dunedin Canmore, part of Wheatley Group, and offers free computer facilities, access to the internet and support classes to people who might otherwise struggle to get online.

Convenor of the housing and economy committee, Councillor Gavin Barrie, said he was delighted to open the centre

He added: “I was so pleased to be asked to open the new ‘Click & Connect’ centre at Slateford Green Community Centre.

“It’s never been more important to be online. And with more vital services going online, it’s really important for people to be able to find their way round the internet.”

Expert advice is on hand to help people log-on to job sites, create a CV, get online shopping discounts, pay their rent and access online benefit forms and accounts.

The new facility serves the community in and around Dunedin Canmore’s Slateford Green development in Gorgie and creates more opportunities for local people to engage with computers and technology, regardless of their age or ability.

The Click & Connect centre provides use of six laptops, as well as free WiFi and free support and training to ensure people are able to make the most of the internet.

The centre also provides classes from tutors from Cre8te’s Digital Skills Academy, which is part funded by the Scottish Government, to help people get online and learn new skills.

There are already 36 Click & Connect centres in Glasgow and one in West Lothian but the Slateford Green site will be the first in Edinburgh.

They are all based in the heart of Wheatley communities, which are among some of the poorest places in Scotland, and were set up so people who might not otherwise be able to afford to get online.

Dunedin Canmore managing director, Hazel Young, said: “We are delighted to bring Click & Connect to Edinburgh, and give people living here the chance to reap the benefits of being online.

“People who will use this centre might never have turned on a computer before. Others will have used the internet but can’t afford to have it in their home or use it on their mobile. This centre will be for everyone.”