Stirling Observer

Broadband speed boost for Stirling

Crime writer Craig endorses programme

- Alastair McNeill

Crime writer Craig Robertson took part in the launch of a programme which it is claimed will see more than 14,000 homes and businesses in the Stirling area connected to high-speed fibre broadband.

The bestsellin­g author from Stirling joined the Digital Scotland team and the chair of Stirling Council’s Broadband Group councillor Jeremy McDonald to visit one of the city’s new fibre street cabinets.

Other areas in Stirling district to benefit from the Scottish Government-led rollout include Buchlyvie, Balfron and Aberfoyle as well as Doune and Drymen.

Craig – who has written several crime novels including Random Witness, The Dead and Murderabil­ia – said: “It’s good to see this project reaching more communitie­s and giving an increasing number of homes and businesses the chance to connect to highspeed broadband.

“As I work from home and constantly use the internet, it’s reassuring to have a fast connection and reliable download speeds.

“Once the writing day is done, having fibre broadband means I can binge on box sets without having to worry about buffering. It’s completely changed our viewing habits.”

More coverage will follow as engineers from Openreach – Scotland’s digital network business – continue work on the ground.

Stirling Council’s finance and economy convenor, Margaret Brisley, said: “It is now more important than ever for our rural residents to have access to high-speed internet. Not only has superfast broadband become crucial in this digital age to stay connected with our peers, but it ensures that small businesses are able to keep up with those in more urban areas across Scotland.

“We are well on our way to driving forward digital change and connectivi­ty across the area, making sure Stirling remains an excellent place to live, work and study.”

Craig’s new novel The Photograph­er is due out in the new year.

■To comment on this story: email john. rowbotham@trinitymir­ror. com, or write to the Observer at 34 Upper Craigs, Stirling, FK82DW.

 ??  ?? Accelerati­ng Broadband programme unveiled in Stirling
Accelerati­ng Broadband programme unveiled in Stirling

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