Lochaber

SCOTLAND’S largest community broadband network is expanding.

Locheilnet, set up to bring better connections to some of Lochaber’s hardest-to-reach broadband spots, has received a £42,000 cash injection.

Community Broadband Scotland (CBS), a Scottish Government initiative delivered by Highlands and Islands Enterprise (HIE), is supporting the group with a second round of funding to help upgrade and extend core infrastructure.

The £42,000 will mean Locheilnet can upgrade its core network, including new masts at Treslaig and Tulloch. The investment will see increased capacity for the existing network and the opportunity to expand. This includes the delivery of superfast broadband to Kilmalieu and Tulloch, near Roy Bridge.

Jackie Wright, chairwoman of Locheilnet, said: ‘This is really great news. We already provide a robust, fast broadband service to almost 400 rural householders and businesses.’

Calum Stiven at CBS commented: ‘Locheilnet is a leading example of what a community can achieve for themselves and others. We’re delighted that this investment will support them to expand, bringing the benefits of better broadband to more people in the Lochaber area.’