A FURTHER investment of £10m from the Scottish National Investment Bank is set to help Highland Broadband expand its broadband services and address digital inequality across Scotland.
This latest financial boost follows earlier investments totalling £40m, enabling Highland Broadband, a subsidiary of Lothian Broadband Networks Limited, to significantly increase its gigabit-capable network coverage in underserved regions.
Highland Broadband estimates that nearly 500,000 premises across Scotland still lack access to gigabit-capable networks.
The company aims to connect over 100,000 of these homes and businesses in the coming years, with the new funds allowing it to reach some of the most remote areas, including the Black Isle, Great Glen, and the Cairngorms.
Gavin Rodgers, CEO of Highland Broadband, emphasized the importance of the project, stating: “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.”
The Bank initially provided cornerstone funding of £20m in 2021, followed by another £20m in 2023, which facilitated the installation of high-speed networks in areas like East Lothian, Stirlingshire, Fife, and the Highlands north of Inverness.
This latest round of investment will further enhance connectivity, bringing significant improvements to communities across Scotland.
Andy Clapp, executive director of the Scottish National Investment Bank, commented on the investment’s broader impact, saying: “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.”
The expanded network has already had tangible benefits. In Alness, near the Cromarty Firth, Alness Baptist Church has utilized the new broadband to enhance its community outreach, streaming services and connecting with more people online.
Pastor Robert Adair expressed the impact, stating: “The new broadband enables us to engage with people and build relationships. We really feel like we’re making a difference.”
Similarly, in Cowie, Stirlingshire, the local community hub has leveraged the high-speed internet to support residents and promote community events, with Clare Stevenson, Chairperson of Cowie Rural Action Group, noting the positive feedback from locals.
