More than 100,000 homes and businesses in the Highlands are set to benefit from ultrafast broadband, thanks to a new £10 million investment from the Scottish National Investment Bank (SNIB). This funding will help bridge the digital divide in areas like the Black Isle, Great Glen, and Cairngorms, expanding the network to underserved communities.
Highland Broadband, a part of Lothian Broadband Networks Limited, is on a mission to bring gigabit-capable broadband to rural and semi-rural regions across Scotland. With previous investments from SNIB totaling £40 million, the company has already made strides in East Lothian, Stirlingshire, Fife, and the northern Highlands.
The Scottish National Investment Bank, established to drive economic development, plays a vital role in these efforts. With a focus on projects that promote sustainability, innovation, and equality, the bank is committed to supporting infrastructure that enhances quality of life across Scotland.
Before Highland Broadband began its work in 2015, less than 1% of premises in the northern Highlands had access to gigabit-capable broadband. Thanks to SNIB’s continued backing, that figure is rapidly increasing, bringing modern digital infrastructure to even the most remote corners of Scotland.
Gavin Rodgers, CEO of Highland Broadband, said:
“The Highlands and Islands face unique connectivity challenges, but we view overcoming these barriers as essential for providing what should be a basic service for everyone in Scotland. The Bank’s continued support has enabled us to accelerate our plan to connect these regions, which ultimately helps reduce place based inequality in areas such as education, employment and healthcare.”
Andy Clapp, SNIB Executive Director, said:
“Our support of Highland Broadband’s multi-year effort to connect all parts of Scotland aligns with one of our core missions to increase equality through improving spaces. The installation of gigabit capable networks, which so many of us take for granted, is already having a real-world impact that’s strengthening the threads of Highland communities.”
