Scottish government in Highlands and Isles internet investment

Education will be one of the areas the government hopes will benefit

The Scottish government has announced that it will spend £120m to bring superfast broadband to communities in the Highlands and Islands.

Public agency Highlands and Islands Enterprise (HIE) is in discussions with BT about delivering the upgrade.

The programme of works will include laying underground and subsea cables.

Secretary for Infrastructure and Capital Investment, Alex Neil, said improved internet speeds would benefit business and education.

He announced the Scottish government-funded investment in superfast broadband at a meeting of the Convention of Highlands and Islands, which involves the government and local authorities.

The spending forms part of the Scottish government's <link> <caption>Scotland's Digital Future: Infrastructure Action Plan</caption> <altText>Link to Scotland's Digital Future: Infrastructure Action Plan page</altText> <url href="http://www.scotland.gov.uk/Publications/2012/01/1487" platform="highweb"/> </link> .

Mr Neil said: "Scotland's ambition to deliver world-class digital connectivity by 2020 has received a boost today, with the announcement of £120m for the Highlands and Islands.

"Everybody in the Highlands and Islands recognises the importance of access to superfast broadband, not just for the future of our local economies but indeed for the future of our children, for our education, our health and every aspect of life in the modern world."