The website was launched in June 2002 to serve the computer users created by the North Argyll Islands Digital Community project. The project, funded by the Scottish Executive and administered by Argyll and Bute Council, saw almost 2000 free computers distributed to twelve islands off the west coast of Scotland. Along with the computers was a package including free Internet access, a printer and software.

2000friends has been there since the first installations on Kerera even though back then it was just a news page at the front and a few very basic guides, with the forum following shortly afterwards. Since then it has grown as result of the input of the visitors and members into what you see today.

I'm not really a computer expert, more someone who knows where to find help I suppose. As a keen user of  forums I knew that a site just for the digital community could go a long way towards easing the workload of the digital champions and the NAIDC project in general. I've had experience running successful websites for computer games in the past so I started one for the community.

It's not an "official" site but it is recognised by the managenment of the digital community as a (usually) reliable source of information. I've now become a consultant to Argllcom.net and a community representitive on the digital community's steering group. Although I'm sometimes critical of the project I support it whole heartedly and hope this website will help it succeed. People in the Council have had some nice things to say about the website too:

From Councillor Ian Gillies, “This is an excellent initiative that will allow people from a diverse geographical background to exchange ideas and information. Well done and keep up the good work!!” (From an interview he gave and posted on the message board)

From Gerry Wilson, head of IT Infrastructure, A&B council, “Richard Warwick…has made a telling contribution to the project…and I am extremely grateful for his efforts. We hope his example eventually influence many other small businesses to participate in the project. (From an article he wrote for Round & About, the local free newspaper).

Expenses for hosting etc are now met by Argyll & Bute council, for which I'm very grateful and the future looks fairly bright. I once wondered if the website and forum would sustain itself beyond the first year but it seems to have found it's place in the community mainly due to the contributions of the many people who email or take part in the forum.

If you have any comments or questions send them in by useing the form below. Thanks for visiting the site, I hope you found it useful and stimulating.

Richard Warwick, Isle of Mull