Closing the digital divide in the Highlands
Red Chair Highland CIC supports adults facing digital exclusion across one of Scotland's most remote and rural regions — giving people the devices, skills, and confidence to participate fully in a digital world.
Who we are
A community-based organisation rooted in Highland
Red Chair Highland CIC is a community interest company based in Highland, Scotland (SC427961). We exist to tackle digital exclusion in a region where geography and remote rural communities make the problem significantly harder — and the consequences significantly more serious.
For many people across Highland, not being able to get online is not a minor inconvenience. It means missing out on health appointments, benefits information, job opportunities, and human connection. We work to change that — one person at a time.
What we do
Three ways we help people get connected
Device distribution
We provide refurbished devices to people who cannot afford their own — because you cannot get online without something to get online with.
Digital skills workshops
Topic-based group sessions covering media literacy, cyber resilience, online safety, and how to navigate the digital world with confidence.
One-to-one support
Personal, patient, face-to-face help for people who need more than a group session — building skills and confidence at their own pace.
AI awareness and demystification
Helping people think critically about AI and emerging technology — so they can engage with it safely, not be confused or frightened by it.
Who we support
People who are often overlooked
Digital exclusion rarely affects people equally. In Highland, distance compounds disadvantage. The people who need support most are often the hardest to reach.
- Adults experiencing financial disadvantage who cannot afford a device or a data connection
- People with low digital confidence who find technology intimidating or overwhelming
- Adults in social isolation, including older people and those living in remote rural communities
- People who need online access to navigate benefits, health services, employment, and public life
- Anyone in Highland who is being left behind because of where they live or what they can manage on their own
Our AI tools
Technology in service of the people we support
Red Chair Highland is partnered with Thinking ForWord Social CIC through the Gift Programme — giving us access to two AI tools, fully funded for our first year, that help us serve our community better.
What our AI assistant can do for you
Our website AI assistant is built for people who find digital services hard to navigate. You do not need to read well or type confidently to use it. It is available any time of day, answers in your own language, and can read its answer back to you out loud.
- Speak your question out loud — no typing needed
- Answers read back to you with one tap
- Available in 40+ languages
- Available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week
- Signposting to other local services
- No personal data stored
AI technology provided by Thinking ForWord Social CIC through the Gift Programme — AI for organisations that matter.
Our approach
Small organisation, serious impact
Red Chair Highland is a micro organisation. That means we are nimble, person-centred, and we know our community well. Every decision we make is guided by what will most help the people we work with.
We are committed to using technology responsibly — including AI. Our work on AI awareness means we practise what we preach. We use AI tools because they genuinely help us serve our community better, not because they are fashionable. And we are honest with the people we support about what AI can and cannot do.
We are also committed to contributing what we learn. The insight we gain from being a small digital inclusion organisation using AI tools in Highland will, we hope, help others understand what responsible, accessible AI adoption looks like for community organisations across Scotland.
Need to get in touch?
If you or someone you know could benefit from our support, or if you have a question about our services, get in touch — we are here to help.
Visit redchairhighland.scot
