‘Real and tangible opportunities’ to come with broadband service

Rural communities in Loch Tay are working together to create a new broadband service that will unlock social, economic and educational opportunities for the area.

Around 350 people in more than 150 premises are expected to benefit from the new service, which will provide internet speeds of up to 10 times faster than previously available.

Community Broadband Scotland (CBS) – a Scottish Government initiative being delivered by Highlands and Islands Enterprise (HIE) – has been supporting the communities to develop a communityled project that will provide transformational broadband to residents and businesses.

This has led to CBS approving funding of £109,078 to enable the community to deliver Loch Tay Internet, a transformational communityowned infrastructure.

Deputy First Minister John Swinney said: “The Loch Tay Internet project is a wonderful example of how rural communities can work together to secure funding that will bring real and tangible opportunities for their local area.”

Ardeonaig and Ardtalnaig Community Association set up Loch Tay Internet, with additional support from Killin Community Council and the Loch Tay Association.

Phil Simpson, of the Christian Trust, Abernethy, which runs a residential outdoor centre in Ardeonaig, said: “When nothing materialised from commercial suppliers, we soon realised that if we wanted anything better we would have to create it ourselves. The distance from the telephone exchange in Killin and copper landlines with many repairs in them meant cable broadband was not an option. Progress is going well.”