Openreach has rolled out its broadband gigabit upgrade to residents and businesses on the Hebridean islands of Tiree and Iona.
For years, connectivity on the islands has been a challenge due to their location and dispersed populations. Now, the first households and businesses on Tiree can access fast and reliable broadband, while everyone on Iona is able to upgrade.
The Tiree rollout is continuing, with engineers needing to complete work before rare corncrakes and other bird species return to breed in the Spring.
Richard Lochhead, Scottish Government Minister for Business, said, “This is a fantastic milestone for Tiree and Iona and a shining example of what the Scottish Government’s investment in broadband is delivering across the length and breadth of the country, opening up new opportunities for people and businesses, not least the vitally important tourism sector.
“High-speed internet is a necessity in today’s world – both for economic growth and everyday life – and I’m delighted that these residents and businesses, along with many of their neighbours on Mull, are starting to enjoy all the benefits it brings.”
Delivering full fibre to Tiree required intricate planning and local collaboration, with support from the Tiree Community Development Trust and its ranger, Hayley Douglas. Openreach engineers have worked closely with Douglas to protect native and over-wintering wildlife and navigate Tiree’s pristine beaches and crofting landscapes.
Robert Thorburn, Openreach’s partnership director for Scotland, said, “Rolling out full fibre broadband to Scotland’s island communities is no small feat. A great deal of work goes into protecting the environment and leaving these islands exactly as we find them. It’ll be a real game-changer for people on Iona and Tiree.”
The Scottish Government’s Reaching 100 per cent programme contracts are a key part of the Scottish Government’s commitment to make sure that every community can play an active part in the digital economy.
The island upgrades are part of a broader rollout, with more rural communities across Scotland set to benefit in the coming months.