Digital Xtra to launch community coding and AI hubs across Scotland

Digital Xtra, a charity focused on increasing extracurricular computing activities for young people, is launching a new ‘Code Xtra’ strategy to establish a national network of community coding and AI hubs across Scotland. This initiative marks a strategic shift from the charity’s previous model of funding individual grassroots projects toward a place-based approach designed to provide more consistent access to digital education.

The first phase of the rollout will include hubs at Muirhouse Library in North Edinburgh, Dalkeith Library in Midlothian, Creative Regeneration in Inverclyde, and Elgin Library in Moray. The project is supported by the Scottish Government and industry partners, including Skyscanner, Baillie Gifford, and Cirrus Logic.

The initiative aims to address a significant digital skills gap in Scotland. Currently, approximately 15% of the adult population lacks foundational digital skills, and 70% of Scottish employers report shortages in critical proficiencies, particularly in artificial intelligence and cloud technologies. The charity seeks to mitigate these shortages and the resulting impact on business productivity by providing equitable access to vital digital training.