Scottish politician welcomes new broadband funding pledge

An MSP has voiced confidence that a new Scottish broadband funding scheme will deliver multiple benefits for rural communities.

MSP for Dumbarton Jackie Baillie told the Helensburgh Advertiser that the £5 million Community Broadband Scotland scheme will deliver easier web access for residents of Helensburgh and Lomond.

The fund is designed to act as a one-stop-shop for rural community groups that can provide information and advice on creating broadband delivery solutions for their local areas.

Ms Baillie said groups should look to take maximum advantage of this, noting that it is becoming increasingly essential for people to have access to the web to carry out vital tasks.

"Communication is an important tool for any area and with the internet one of the most used means of contact, it is important that people in Helensburgh and Lomond can keep in touch," she added.

Her comments echo those voiced recently by Moray MSP Richard Lochhead, who told STV that this initiative can help Scotland meet its ambitious national broadband rollout targets.