FURLOUGHED computer experts have formed an IT “army” to help charities cope with the pandemic.

The Scottish Tech Army (STA) was formed around one month ago.

Styled as a “rapid-response” unit, there are 850 highly-skilled IT operatives in its ranks all working on new solutions to problems the third sector is facing as a result of the coronavirus crisis.

Together, they’ve worked on 50 projects so far.

And today the STA’s co-founder Peter Jaco writes for The National to set out its mission and the results to date.

READ MORE: How Scottish Tech Army is helping charities through coronavirus

With as many as 24,000 registered charities in Scotland, Jaco says a “digital awakening” is now needed to protect lifeline and local services from folding and ensure their good work can continue.

It’s hoped the scheme can also fill another role – helping its volunteers find new employment as the pandemic eases.