Major broadband boost supports Aberdeenshire community centre’s rise
A thriving Aberdeenshire community centre has been recognised as a leading example rural regeneration in Europe – with support from a Full Fibre broadband upgrade.
In March 2020, the Udny Community Trust Company purchased a former hotel and refurbished it into a welcoming venue, the Medan Centre.
However, one major hurdle remained. The centre’s broadband service was unreliable, with download speeds of just 1 Mbps - disrupting cloud-based systems and limiting ambitions for digital services.
Openreach delivered a Full Fibre broadband upgrade that transformed the centre’s digital capabilities and unlocked new potential for the community.
The faster, more reliable broadband has supported the trust as it has expanded it’s the centre’s programme - from toddler groups and guided walks to repair cafés and sunflower competitions - welcoming an average of 370 monthly participants.
Improved connectivity has enabled hybrid meetings and online training. The local community council and Pitmedden First Responders regularly use the centre’s conference facilities, powered by Full Fibre.
Its café, Café48, has embraced digital tools, with electronic till and ordering systems, video streaming, and smart heating and lighting controls - all dependent on strong broadband. Free Wi-Fi is available to all visitors.
Security and efficiency have improved too, with CCTV cameras supported by the fibre connection. Office staff benefit from faster downloads and seamless video calls, and the trust now hosts hybrid AGMs to increase accessibility.
In October, the venue hosted a delegation from the European Rural Parliament, who learned about the Medan Centre story and how it’s supporting the local community.
Brian McDougall, chair of the Udny Community Trust Company, said: "I would like to take this opportunity to thank Openreach for doing a fantastic job in helping out our community by providing us with a full fibre service. This greatly exceeded our expectations and truly shows their commitment in helping local communities."
Robert Thorburn, Openreach Partnership Director for Scotland, said: “The transformation at the Medan Centre shows what’s possible when reliable Full Fibre broadband is in place. It’s fantastic to see how the team at Udny Community Trust has harnessed that potential to create a vibrant, inclusive space that’s now being recognised across Europe.”
Full Fibre technology offers a faster, more reliable connection that keeps up with the demands of today’s digital world.
Whether streaming your favourite show, gaming online, making a video call, managing your finances, or running a business, full fibre keeps everything running smoothly.
Openreach’s full fibre network now reaches more than 22 million properties, and the company plans to extend this to 25 million homes and businesses by the end of 2026, with a belief it can reach as many as 30 million by the end of the decade – with the right investment conditions.
People living on Iona can see if they can upgrade to full fibre by visiting Openreach’s full fibre checker.
