Free wifi rolled out in Portree town centre

now has free wifi in and around the town centre.

Fourteen towns, including Fort Augustus and Fort William, are to get the new wifi, called High-Fi, by the end of the summer.

The chairman of the Isle of Skye and Raasay Committee, Councillor John Gordon, said: ‘This project is fantastic news for Portree and I am sure it will be welcomed by everyone who lives here, as well as our many thousands of visitors.'

The free service is aimed at stimulating economic growth and increasing digital inclusion across the Highlands. Easy access to digital connectivity is seen as essential if the region is to be innovative and keep its competitive place in the tourism market.

Wifi can also gather data to support tourism and the creation of wireless infrastructure in a town centre allows smart traffic management technology to be used.

The free wifi currently covers the centre of Portree but will be extended by the end of August.

Funding for the project came from the Scottish and UK governments and Highland Council and partners.

UK government minister Lord Duncan said: ‘Digital connectivity isn't a luxury, it's a necessity.

‘Free wifi will help locals and businesses as well as making it easier for tourists visiting locations such as Portree to share their experiences with people back home. I am pleased the UK government supported this essential project.'