‘Broadband investment welcome but all communities must benefit’

While welcoming the announcement that £146 million is being invested in high speed broadband in the Highlands and Islands, Orkney MSP Liam McArthur has warned that attention must now be focused on how the needs of areas not covered by the project will be met.

He said:  “The project announced today has the potential to help areas, many of them in Orkney, which have suffered most through an ever-growing digital divide.  However, there will be parts of Orkney not covered by this funding and I am determined that focus is now given to making sure that these gaps in provision are also addressed.

“Thanks to this additional funding, we have the opportunity to make a major breakthrough in the quality of broadband available in our islands, but we must ensure that no community in Orkney is left behind.”