TECH giant Google is set to bring a day of free digital skills workshops and mentoring to Alloa this week.

Google Digital Garage is set to set up in the town on Friday, July 8, to help people and small businesses upskill and grow in a hybrid world.

People can register online with workshops tackling topics such as digital marketing strategy, writing for social media, Google Analytics and CV building.

Workshops will be available to people and business owners of all experience levels and there will also be networking opportunities.

Heading along will be Ochil and South Perthshire MP John Nicolson, who has been running a Covid-19 business recovery survey to hear how owners are coping.

He also has a keen interest in the role digital upskilling can play in helping people to thrive as SNP Westminster shadow spokesperson for digital, culture, media and sport.

The representative said: “I’m looking forward to welcoming Google to Alloa to host a Google Digital Garage event on July 8.

“I hope to meet as many local businesses and residents as possible to find out more about how digital skills can benefit the Wee County, and our businesses, entrepreneurs, and residents.

"As restrictions have eased in Scotland, I have had the opportunity to visit many of the businesses in Clackmannanshire.

“I am glad to see so many begin to recover. But I know from responses to my recent survey that, for many, times are still tough.

"Digital has revolutionised the way we all work. The pandemic restrictions expedited our transition through digitisation and this has come with opportunities as well as challenges.

"My parliamentary office was the first anywhere in the UK to launch a virtual surgery booking platform when in-person surgeries were not permitted under the Covid restrictions.

“This has greatly transformed the way my office supports constituents and I am looking forward to discussing how digital upskilling can transform the lives and livelihoods of residents and businesses in Clackmannanshire."

The event will go ahead at Alloa Business Centre from 10am to 4pm on the day.

Workshops will include everything from 45-minute in-depth training to 15-minute power sessions.

Attendees from small businesses can also benefit from private mentoring sessions with Google digital coaches to focus on personal goals and on business growth.

Visit rsvp.withgoogle.com/events/google-event-alloa to sign up.