Full Fibre broadband reaches Scotland's highest village
Scotland’s highest village is set to experience a digital transformation with hundreds of homes and businesses receiving an ultrafast upgrade.
Openreach is building the new broadband network in the former mining villages of Wanlockhead and Leadhills, nestled in the Lowther Hills in Dumfries and Galloway.
The project is the result of a Fibre Community Partnership scheme, where locals have benefitted from the UK government’s Gigabit Broadband Voucher Scheme to bring full fibre to the area. The scheme helps people in hard-to-reach communities not currently in line for broadband upgrades through commercial or existing government-funded schemes to upgrade their broadband connections.
It means that more than 350 homes and businesses across the two villages will soon be able to enjoy the benefits of ultrafast, ultra-reliable broadband.
Even properties on the outskirts of the area have not missed out on the full fibre, with the Scottish Government’s Reaching 100% (R100) programme making sure they’ve been able to upgrade
One of the local business owners set to benefit is Jon Edwards, director of Bombcrater Design, specialists in graphic and packing design which largely works in the beverage industry.
Since moving to Wanlockhead in 2005 and launching his business in 2015, Jon has often struggled with unreliable broadband, with slow speeds and frequent outages.
“A stable broadband connection is key, not just speed,” he said. “Speed is important, but it’s also about consistency of connection – which we don’t have. That’s bad enough at a household level, but for a business a stable connection is critical.”
Jon lives with his wife, daughter and her partner, with lots of devices connected to the internet at any one time.
For a business based in such a rural location, broadband plays an important role – it’s used for everything from software updates and meetings with clients, to sending large files and backing up data.
“There are a lot of people who’ve moved into the area, working from home, who are eager for broadband to be improved,” Jon added. “There is a lot of desire to get full fibre. We understand that it’s essential. When it’s installed, I’ll be the happiest person in the village.”
Robert Thorburn, partnership director for Openreach Scotland, said: “We’re thrilled to bring ultrafast full fibre broadband to some of Scotland's highest homes.
“Working with government, we’re committed to connecting even the most remote and challenging areas, making sure that everyone in Scotland has access to the digital tools necessary for success in today's interconnected world.
“This technological leap will foster economic growth, improve educational opportunities, and enhance the overall quality of life for residents."
Telecoms Minister Sir Chris Bryant said: “No one should be held back in their professional or personal lives because of lack of reliable digital connectivity in their area, no matter how remote.
"This is why I'm thrilled to see the communities of Wanlockhead and Leadhills reaching new heights in accessing fast, reliable broadband as we enter the new year.
"Better broadband will not only enhance the quality of life for residents and local businesses, but secure more jobs, and improve access to online education and healthcare services."
You can find out more about the benefits of an upgrade to Full Fibre broadband on the Openreach website.
