A NATIONWIDE road show is set to help people across Scotland get online. The Scottish government’s Let’s Get On team is visiting 75 towns and cities - including Innerleithen - until May 8 offering free, informal, drop-in sessions on how to get online and the benefits the internet can bring.

Trained and friendly staff are hosting sessions at locations ranging from supermarkets to shopping centres to sports clubs and local community hubs.

The team will help people experience the benefits of being online first hand by demonstrating a variety of online activities such as how to set up an email address, tips for safe internet shopping and banking and how to video call friends and family.

A free, informal, drop-in sessions will take place on Tuesday, May 5 from 10am to 6pm at The Co-op, Peebles Road, Innerleithen.

Timings are subject to change so visit www.letsgeton.scot or call 0300 004 1000 to check.

Cabinet secretary for infrastructure, investment and cities, Keith Brown, said: “We want everyone in Scotland to enjoy the benefits of being online.

“The Let’s Get On road show will get into the very heart of communities across Scotland, offering people the opportunity to take the first step in getting online and highlighting the many benefits. The internet can bring huge advantages to people’s lives, whether it’s finding a job or keeping in touch with friends and family and getting connected can save people time and money.

“Let’s Get On supports our digital world class 2020 vision by bringing technology to life for people. It will make people’s lives easier and help the Scottish government achieve its goal of a more connected, fairer, wealthier and smarter digital Scotland.” Singer and newspaper columnist Michelle McManus who is an avid fan of the internet, said: “I couldn’t live without the internet as I use it regularly to keep in touch with my family. I set up Skype on my parent’s television and they use it to keep in touch with me, wherever I might be, and our family in Canada and Australia. I personally love using FaceTime to catch up with my baby nephew and godchild and one of my best friends has just moved to Malaysia and we Skype each other every week.

“There are so many great benefits to being online. It makes my life easier and saves time with banking and shopping. I would recommend anyone who isn’t online or needs help getting online to head along to your local Let’s Get On session.” The Let’s Get On road show is supported by an information line which people can call on 0300 004 1000 and find out where and when their nearest session is, as well as more about other learning centres and courses in their local area which offer help and support to get connected.

Those online who know friends or family that would benefit from information about how to get online, should visit www.letsgeton.scot and find out how to help.