Edinburgh-based broadband provider GoFibre has secured £125 million in fresh funding to speed up high-speed internet rollout in rural Scotland. Announced on August 18, 2025, this boost supports two major contracts under the UK’s Project Gigabit program, aiming to connect hard-to-reach areas with gigabit-capable broadband by 2026.
The funding comes at a key time as Scotland works to close the digital gap between urban and rural spots. With this cash injection, GoFibre plans to reach over 130,000 homes and businesses in regions like the Scottish Borders, East Lothian, Angus, Aberdeenshire, and the Moray coast.
Breaking Down the Funding Deal
GoFibre’s latest funding round includes a £45 million debt facility from the Scottish National Investment Bank and £80 million more from Hamburg Commercial Bank. This mix of investments marks a big step for the company, which focuses on building full-fibre networks in underserved areas.
Experts see this as a smart move to fuel growth. The funds will cover network expansion costs, equipment, and local hiring. GoFibre has already shown success in using local supply chains, which helps boost jobs in the communities it serves.
This deal builds on earlier backing from Gresham House’s British Sustainable Infrastructure Funds. It shows strong investor faith in GoFibre’s mission to improve connectivity where it’s needed most.
Winning Key Project Gigabit Contracts
GoFibre won its first Scottish Project Gigabit contract in February 2025 for the Borders and East Lothian, worth £26.2 million in state aid. That deal aimed to connect thousands of rural premises with fast broadband.
In July 2025, the company scored a bigger win: a £105 million contract for northeast Scotland. This covers a wide area, making it the largest Project Gigabit zone in the country so far.
The UK government’s £5 billion Project Gigabit scheme targets spots where commercial providers won’t build without help. Scotland’s government works closely on these efforts to ensure funding reaches remote communities.
GoFibre’s role fits into a broader push. Recent updates from Building Digital UK show the program has connected over a million premises nationwide since 2021, with more progress expected in 2025.
Tackling Scotland’s Digital Divide
Scotland faces a clear urban-rural split in broadband access. Latest Ofcom data from 2025 reveals that only 44 percent of rural areas have full-fibre coverage, compared to 71 percent in urban zones. This gap affects everything from online education to business operations.
GoFibre’s rollout promises to change that. By delivering gigabit speeds, it will help residents stream, work from home, and access services without lag. For businesses, reliable internet means better efficiency and new opportunities, like online sales or remote collaboration.
The project also ties into Scotland’s economic goals. Improved connectivity can attract investment and support industries like farming, tourism, and tech startups in rural spots.
Here’s a quick look at the areas set for upgrades:
- Scottish Borders: Focus on remote villages and farms.
- East Lothian: Targeting coastal and inland communities.
- Angus and Aberdeenshire: Covering northeast towns and countryside.
- Moray coast: Boosting links for fishing and tourism hubs.
Voices from Leaders and Locals
GoFibre’s CEO, Neil Conaghan, called the funding a game-changer. He stressed the company’s goal to bridge the digital divide and bring top-tier broadband to rural Scotland.
Ailsa Young from the Scottish National Investment Bank highlighted the societal benefits. She noted how fast internet is vital for daily life, from education to healthcare access.
Local business owners are already seeing gains. Mike Ferguson, who runs Forfar Indoor Sports Centre, said the upgrade lets them handle online bookings and even livestream events worldwide. This has opened new revenue streams for his small operation.
Hans Lötzer from Hamburg Commercial Bank praised the project’s reach, saying it will empower over 130,000 households with modern digital tools.
These comments reflect a shared excitement. They show how the initiative blends business growth with real community improvements.
Community Support and Lasting Impact
Beyond cables and connections, GoFibre is investing in local causes. The company plans to launch its GoFurther Fund soon, offering up to £250,000 in grants for northeast Scotland and £150,000 for the Borders and East Lothian.
These funds will back projects like community centers, education programs, and environmental efforts. It’s part of GoFibre’s promise to leave a positive mark beyond just broadband.
Looking ahead, this could inspire similar investments elsewhere. Scotland’s government has poured over £600 million into rural broadband since 2017, far outpacing UK-wide contributions. This latest deal adds momentum to those efforts.
| Aspect | Details |
|---|---|
| Total Funding | £125 million |
| Key Investors | Scottish National Investment Bank (£45m), Hamburg Commercial Bank (£80m) |
| Premises Targeted | Over 130,000 in rural Scotland |
| Timeline | Rollout starting late 2025, full completion by 2026 |
| Community Grants | Up to £400,000 total via GoFurther Fund |
What This Means for Scotland’s Future
This funding positions GoFibre as a leader in Scotland’s broadband scene. It aligns with national goals to make gigabit access universal by 2030, helping the country stay competitive in a digital world.
As rural areas get connected, expect stories of transformed lives, from students learning online to entrepreneurs expanding globally. It’s a reminder of how infrastructure investments drive progress.
What do you think about this broadband boost? Share your thoughts in the comments and spread the word to friends in affected areas. Your input could highlight more ways to improve connectivity.
