Highland schools get broadband

The Scottish Highland Council has awarded telecoms operator Thus a seven-year £70m contract to provide broadband links to schools and libraries.

The snappily titled Highlands and Islands Pathfinder Broadband Procurement Project will link up 850 sites with the focus on providing teaching and learning support.

The project was launched today in Inverness by first minister Jack McConnell, MSP, and is expected to be completed within two years.

Because of the challenging terrain, the network comprises a mix of copper, fibre and wireless connections.

Highland Council chief executive Arthur McCourt said in a statement: "Ensuring that local public services have access to the latest broadband technology is a vital step in modernising local government. It will provide a tremendous boost to modern learning and teaching practice and to the provision of services to the public."