A scheme to introduce superfast broadband across Perth and Kinross is to step up this month.
Balbeggie, Blairgowrie, Bridge of Earn, Caputh, Errol, Glencarse, Inchture and Stanley have all been announced as the next areas to be connected to the fibre optic service, which will vastly improve internet connectivity in the region.
Business leaders have long criticised the sluggish speeds across Perth and Kinross, claiming it is costing companies money.
The roll-out has been made possible by the £410 million Digital Scotland partnership. It will result in both businesses and residents receiving up to 80MB speeds.
Deputy First Minister Nicola Sturgeon said: “Today marks an important milestone for the people and businesses of Perth and Kinross, as well as for the Digital Scotland superfast broadband partnership.
“This programme will lay the foundations of a world-class, digital Scotland by extending fibre broadband access to parts of Scotland that wouldn’t otherwise be served commercially.
“The scale of the challenge of delivering fibre broadband into rural Scotland outstrips any other part of the UK and will generate significant economic benefits, including new jobs and increased productivity.”
The project to roll out better broadband across the country is being delivered on the ground by BT.
BT Scotland director Brendan Dick said: “New locations for fibre will be announced regularly as our engineers carry out detailed local surveys and finalise plans.
Delivering a project on this scale is one of the most significant challenges we’ve faced anywhere in the UK in recent years.
“It’s great to see this major step forward today, which will benefit rural communities on and off the Scottish mainland.”
Perth and Kinross Council’s enterprise and infrastructure convener John Kellas welcomed the news, saying: “I am delighted that businesses and residents in Perth and Kinross will start to benefit from this investment, which includes £1.2m from the council and will help them to grow and access services.”