Faster internet for rural areas

Hundreds of rural homes and businesses across the region are moving into the internet fast lane due to a council-led broadband programme.

The latest milestone in the efforts to connect more of Stirling’s more isolated communities saw the number go through the 700 mark after 50 properties in the Blair Drummond area secured high-speed broadband through the scheme.

The project was supported by Keir and Blair Drummond Community Broadband Group and Stirling Council, with a hybrid solution of both fibre and fixed wireless technology.

Residents and business owners have hailed the impact of the broadband programme.

Mary Inglis, who runs Briarlands Farm, a working mixed farm with a range of fun family outdoor and indoor activities, said:“having an improved broadband service has been invaluable to us as a business and particularly this year, with the introduction of online ticketing.

“It is vital that we have a reliable connection in order to check our guests in quickly and efficiently on arrival at the farm, and we no longer suffer from the periods of‘no service’we did previously. This is never a good thing with a queue of excited children to deal with.

“As a marketing tool the use of social media is now key, so knowing that we can get our message out quickly is a massive advantage to us.”

Dr Guthrie Blackhurst, a consultant physician who lives in Blair Drummond, added: “Haviasdng decent, reliable broadband has turned out to be essential.

“It’s allowed me to do virtual medical clinics remotely during the pandemic. I would have had to rely on phone calls otherwise which are much less effective.”

The local community linked up with local broadbnd firm Briskona, with 35 homes and 16 businesses included in the network which went live in September.

Convener of Stirling Council’s Finance and Economy Committee, Cllr Margaret Brisley, said:“the ongoing pandemic means this continues to be a hugely challenging time for businesses in our rural areas, making fast and reliable broadband all the more important for them.

“It’s no exaggeration to say this technology can be life changing for rural communities and it’s fantastic that more residents and businesses in the Blair Drummond area are benefiting from the Council’s programme.”