Around 11,000 homes and businesses across the Scottish Borders and East Lothian are set to gain access to ultra-fast broadband, as the UK and Scottish governments take a crucial step toward closing the digital divide. The initiative, part of the UK Government’s Plan for Change, is expected to bring substantial economic and social benefits to rural communities.
Remote Communities to Gain Faster Internet
Some of Scotland’s most isolated communities, including Athelstaneford and Innerwick in East Lothian, as well as St Abbs, Broughton, and Ettrickbridge in the Scottish Borders, will be among the first to benefit. For residents, this means an end to slow buffering and unreliable connections.
The rollout is backed by a £26 million contract under Project Gigabit, the UK Government-funded program targeting areas where commercial broadband providers typically do not expand due to geographical and logistical challenges. The contract was awarded to Scottish internet provider GoFibre by the Scottish Government.
Economic and Social Gains from Faster Broadband
The upgrade is expected to have a lasting impact on businesses and individuals alike. High-speed connectivity opens doors for rural entrepreneurs, streamlines remote work, and enhances access to healthcare services.
- Economic Growth: Local businesses can process online transactions more efficiently, expand e-commerce capabilities, and improve customer service.
- Education & Employment: Students can participate in online learning without interruptions, and job seekers can attend virtual interviews without connectivity concerns.
- Healthcare Access: Rural residents will have improved access to telehealth services, reducing the need for long trips to medical facilities.
UK Minister for Telecoms and Data, Chris Bryant, emphasized the broader implications of this investment: “As technological advancements race ahead, we cannot afford to leave anyone behind. This investment ensures that rural communities can compete on an equal footing with urban areas.”
Local Success Stories Highlight Broadband Benefits
Melrose Rugby Club, one of Scotland’s leading amateur rugby clubs, has already seen the advantages of full-fibre connectivity. The club was able to stream its historic Melrose Sevens tournament to tens of thousands of viewers worldwide.
Malcolm Changleng, Director of Melrose Rugby Club, explained the impact: “We had about 60,000 people watching games online. It’s not just rugby fans tuning in—it’s families from the Borders who now live across the world. Reliable internet lets them stay connected.”
A local restaurant, The Hoebridge, is also set to benefit. Co-owner Kyle Tidd noted that faster broadband will “enable us to streamline our ordering, payment, and booking systems, which will make operations smoother and improve customer satisfaction.”
What Comes Next?
With the contract signed, planning and surveying are set to begin immediately. The first high-speed connections are expected by autumn.
Additional contracts will be rolled out throughout the year, extending the broadband expansion to other parts of Scotland, including:
| Region | Expected Rollout |
|---|---|
| Aberdeenshire | Late 2025 |
| Morayshire Coast | Early 2026 |
| Fife | Mid-2026 |
| Perth and Kinross | Mid-2026 |
| Orkney and Shetland | Late 2026 |
For rural households, the improvements will mean no more competing for bandwidth during peak hours. Gigabit connections can handle multiple devices simultaneously without slowing down, making them ideal for families who rely on the internet for work, school, and entertainment.
Long-Term Impact on Scotland’s Digital Economy
The UK Government sees this broadband expansion as a key pillar in its broader economic strategy. Project Gigabit is expected to create thousands of jobs, boost innovation, and improve productivity across multiple sectors.
Scotland Office Minister Kirsty McNeill stated: “By bringing the fastest broadband to our rural communities, we’re opening up new opportunities for local businesses and improving access to education and healthcare. This is about ensuring no one is left behind.”
With Project Gigabit now in full swing, rural Scotland is on track to become more connected than ever.
