DELIVERY of public sector services in key Highland towns is to undergo a dramatic transformation thanks to a project that will bring new full fibre infrastructure – the fastest, most reliable digital connectivity – to the region.

Over 150 public sector sites across Inverness, Fort William, Thurso and Wick, including schools, libraries, offices, hospitals, health centres and university campuses, will be able to access future-proof gigabit-speed services thanks to the newly built full fibre network, constructed by CityFibre.

The project has brought together Highland Council, Highlands and Islands Enterprise (HIE), Scottish Natural Heritage, NHS Highland, the University of the Highlands and Islands (UHI) and the Department of Digital Culture Media and Sport (DCMS), in partnership with the UK Government’s Local Full Fibre Network Fund, to award a £9.5 million contract to Capita for the delivery of gigabit-capable services by March 2021.

CityFibre has also committed a multi-million-pound private investment to construct the fibre network connecting the sites, which it will design, operate and own.

Full fibre connectivity will allow the development of new digital services and smart city applications such as smart traffic controls, HD CCTV and even remote health and care tools.

Highland school children will also benefit. Full fibre connectivity will enhance digital learning by improving the performance of devices such as tablets and computers.

Inverness, Nairn, Badenoch and Strathspey MP Drew Hendry said: “The Gigabit City steering group has been working to realise this cutting-edge high-speed fibre connectivity over the past year and today’s announcement will ensure we make significant progress towards that objective. As well as transforming internet connectivity in our public buildings, I would like to see our business community also benefit from this infrastructure in the future. The potential for Inverness and the wider Highlands really is enormous through improved productivity, inward investment and innovation. Instead of following, we will be at the forefront of the digital opportunities and that is certainly cause for celebration.”

James McClafferty, head of regional development at CityFibre, commented: “This announcement marks yet another major CityFibre investment in Scotland's digital infrastructure. With existing full fibre projects in Aberdeen, Edinburgh, Glasgow, and Stirling, connecting schools, libraries, council offices and community hubs, our fibre infrastructure is already transforming the delivery of public services – fit for the future.

“Better connectivity not only drives efficiency and improves the digital experience of staff and community members, it will also help position these areas for economic growth, investment and innovation.”

Highland Council leader Margaret Davidson added: “This is the first step in what will make the Highlands one of the best connected regions in the UK. This will ultimately draw millions of pounds of investment to local communities and benefit both businesses and the wider population.”

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