Lothian Broadband Group receives £20m cornerstone funding to help tackle digital inequality in rural communities I Scottish National Investment Bank

Mission Alignment

The Bank's investment in Highland Broadband aligns with the Bank’s place mission, to extend the equality of opportunity by improving places.

Digital inequality has been heightened during the pandemic and the investment supports Highland Broadband's commitment to bring quality digital infrastructure to rural communities and small towns across Scotland.

A vibrant rural digital economy supports new ways of working, helping reduce car journeys and assist a just transition to net zero by 2045.

Key Information

Key Mission

Improving Places

Amount Invested

£50m

Location

Rural communities and small towns across Scotland

New Connections

70,000 new premises over next four years

Key Quotes

Andy Clapp, Executive Director at Scottish National Investment Bank said:

“Our support of Highland Broadband’s multi-year effort to connect all parts of Scotland aligns with one of our core missions to increase equality through improving spaces. The installation of gigabit capable networks, which so many of us take for granted, is already having a real-world impact that’s strengthening the threads of Highland communities.”

Gavin Rodgers, CEO of Highland Broadband said:

“The Highlands and Islands face unique connectivity challenges, but we view overcoming these barriers as essential for providing what should be a basic service for everyone in Scotland. The Bank’s continued support has enabled us to accelerate our plan to connect these regions, which ultimately helps reduce place based inequality in areas such as education, employment and healthcare.”