Nicol Stephen, Scotland's deputy minister for enterprise and lifelong learning, has hailed an internet-based initiative as revolutionising access to lifelong learning in remote areas.
Mr Stephen has launched Highlands and Islands Enterprise Online Learning, which uses the Lotus software application LearningSpace to allow Scottish Vocational Qualifications to be delivered and assessed online.
Highlands and Islands Enterprise has developed the project along with further education colleges and the Scottish Council of National Training Organisations.
"It opens up education and gives more people the opportunity to gain a qualification regardless of where they live in Scotland," Mr Stephen said.