Broadband group defends its record

community: Chairman hits back at critics over efforts to improve internet coverage

A community venture that was heavily criticised for a lack of progress in its quest to provide broadband to Highland Perthshire has defended its track record.

The Highland Perthshire Community Partnership (HPCP) hit the headlines last month when MSP Murdo Fraser branded their efforts “a huge waste of taxpayers’ money”, claiming only a handful of people had benefited despite £120,000 of public funding.

The group is now claiming real progress with the HPCP network reaching 50 subscribers (monthly contracts), 75 seasonal subscribers, 18 small businesses, five commercial enterprises, a regular service to the Blair Castle International Horse Trials plus more than 12,000 annual users at Blair Castle caravan park.

They now have four transmitters – two at Pitlochry, Struan and now at Rotmell serving Dalguise and surrounding communities.

“This offers wide geographic coverage with options to connect more premises as and when the opportunity arises,” said HPCP.

HPCP chairman Graham Huggins acknowledged the difficulties they had faced in getting to this stage.

“This has been a long and very difficult challenge with many setbacks which Community Broadband Scotland acknowledge were not of our own making,” he said.

“We are very proud of what we have achieved in what has been, at times, very trying circumstances. Great credit must go to all the team at HPCP, especially our core volunteers.”

Mr Huggins said that in the light of Murdo Fraser’s comments they hoped to invite him to visit HPCP to “give him a better understanding of who we are and what we have and want to achieve”.

The partnership chairman added: “The Dalguise phase of the project is a tremendous example of a commercial enterprise and its local community getting together, in this case Dalguise residents and PGL (a local adventure holiday company), and working closely to achieve a common goal.

“Great credit must also go to PGL for their foresight in recognising the benefits of our service to their business and community and we look forward to a long and mutually beneficial partnership.”

After a report into HPCP’s efforts, Perth and Kinross Council decided not to provide more funding for their broadband operation.

We are very proud of what we have achieved in what has been, at times, very trying circumstances. GRAHAM HUGGINS

Picture: Jim Crichton. The big crowds who enjoyed the Blair Castle International Horse Trials also enjoyed an improved broadband service this year.