Broadband is key to future prosperity

During the past few weeks, I have met with individuals, organisations and communities across the Stirling district to hear their views about the area in which they live.

I am always taken aback by the level of engagement that people have in local issues and the importance they attach to communicating issues with their local representatives.

One such issue that comes up on a regular basis is the provision of broadband access across rural Stirling. Many people in our rural communities continue to have trouble with slow, ineffective broadband. Poor or non-existent broadband limits economic as well as community growth in these areas.

I have worked hard with a number of local communities to secure better rural broadband provision and have helped countless individuals with broadband problems. But we need to see more progress being made.

Both the UK and Scottish Governments have an important role to play in improving broadband access and I continue to place pressure on both for faster delivery. Communities can also play an important part in making sure their voice is heard.

I recently witnessed a great example of community action when attending the launch of the Balquhidder Community Broadband project a few weeks ago. This entirely community driven broadband project will now deliver some of the fastest broadband throughout the UK at half the cost of the equivalent commercial service. By the end of this year the scheme will deliver broadband access to all 197 premises in the area including many rural-based businesses.

Broadband and related infrastructure will also benefit from the implementation of the Stirling and Clackmannanshire City Region Deal. This deal rightly has ambitions to transform the region. To this end, it’s important that all stakeholders ensure that the geographical spread of investments to be made under the deal reaches out beyond city areas and into the wider region.

At the centre of the plans are a host of economic development opportunities which will place Stirling at the front and centre of innovative industries. The proposed digital district to be based in the old Municipal Buildings will drive forward innovation, digital enterprise and provide opportunities for training, apprenticeships and employment.

Across the region, the deal will build on the outstanding tourist attractions across Stirlingshire. It will further the promotion of the region not only as a place of outstanding beauty to visit but also as a region to move to and invest in.

Connections between the City of Stirling and its surrounding rural communities will be improved through enhanced digital connections to schools, enhanced bus corridors into Stirling combined with sustainable power stations for buses to support greener transport options, and the completion of a new cycle route from Dunblane to Callander.

In Clackmannanshire, the deal represents a real opportunity for transformational change in a county that has been asking for significant investment in transport, infrastructure and economic opportunities.

The Stirling and Clackmannanshire City Region Deal is one of the latest investment deals to be introduced in Scotland following joint commitments from the UK Government and the Scottish Government. To date, the UK Government has invested just over £1 billion in city region deals across Scotland and the plan is for these to cover all parts of Scotland.

I will be working with counterparts in Stirling Council, the Scottish Government and the UK Government to make sure that the Stirling and Clackmannanshire city region deal is not only one of the largest - but is also the best.