Highlands and Islands MSP Jamie Halcro Johnston has said that the roll-out of the UK Government’s Project Gigabit scheme to schools, hospitals and rural GP surgeries throughout the Highlands and Islands is a major step forward in improving the region’s digital infrastructure.
The project will deliver a £2 million boost for connecting 91 NHS surgeries and hospitals in the most isolated parts of Scotland to gigabit broadband while another £1 million will help to build a ‘high-speed Highlands’ with full fibre broadband for nearly 200 schools, hospitals and GP practices.
Mr Halcro Johnston said: “This investment will provide a very significant boost for local communities across the region by improving connectivity to vital service providers, whether they are in education or health. Among the communities to benefit are Westray, South Ronaldsay and Stromness here in Orkney."
“It’s really good news and clearly demonstrates the commitment of the UK Government to deliver for everyone across the country, no matter where they live."
“That’s in stark contrast to the SNP’s delayed R100 scheme which has missed its original 2021 target date, with Scottish ministers admitting only this week that the new target date for the Highlands and Islands will not be until 2026”.
