Highland Communicite Encouraged To Apply For Broadband Improvement Fund

4th July 2010

Highland Communities encourages to put forward projects for Broadband improvement funding

Rural communities across the Highlands are being encouraged to put forward bids for a share of a million Euro fund that could bring enhanced Broadband to their area including improved coverage and faster connections.

Following an announcement last week by the Scottish Government that funding was now available, The Highland Leader Programme is encouraging interested communities to make contact with their local LEADER representative to start the application process.

Convener of The Highland Council, Sandy Park said: "This is a great chance for rural areas to access the funds needed to bring their local Broadband service to the highest possible standard. Family usage of the Internet for research, studying, learning new skills and leisure is expanding and more and more local businesses are conducting transactions on-line. Where you live should not be a stumbling block to how you access these services.

"The aim of Highland LEADER is to enable people in the Highlands to realise their ambitions to live in communities where they can fulfil their personal, social and economic potential. Anything that will bring an increase to the capacity of local rural community and business networks is welcome so I would encourage people looking to make improvements to their Broadband connections to make contact with their local LEADER officer as soon as possible."

Bids will be considered by the Scottish Government in October so all applications from the Highlands should be completed and passed to Highland LEADER by Monday 6th September 2010

LEADER Development Manager Nicole Wallace said: "All projects put forward should be in keeping with the LEADER principles and should show that improved broadband access would have a positive impact. Due to the summer holidays there is not much time for applications to be made so I would urge any communities wishing to put forward a bid to contact their local LEADER Officer who will be able to give them help and advice. Full details on the application process are also available on our website - . http://www.highlandleader.com/. We will be collating all applications and then passing them to the Scottish Government who will ultimately be making the final decision in October."

 

Related Businesses

 

Related Articles

23/7/2026 : Local Authority

England Cuts Business Rates for Hospitality – Will Scottish Businesses Be Left Behind?

The UK Government has announced a 20% cut in business rates for many hospitality businesses in England, offering welcome relief to pubs, restaurants, cafés, hotels and live music venues that have struggled with rising costs in recent years.   For thousands of businesses south of the Border, it could mean lower bills and a little more breathing space.  

16/7/2026 : Local Authority

Highland Small Grants Programme Reopens with Expanded Support for Community Organisations

The Highland Local Action Group (LAG) is re-opening the Highland Community-Led Local Development (CLLD) Small Grants Programme following a review of the remaining funding.   Community and voluntary organisations across rural Highland are being invited to apply for grants of up to £10,000.  

14/7/2026 : Local Authority

 
Do you want a say in the future development of Highland?

Share your ideas and help shape the places, spaces and communities of tomorrow.   The Highland Council is inviting people to share their ideas relating to the development or long-term land use in Highland.  

8/7/2026 : Local Authority

Traffic restrictions for Belladrum Festival 2026

Motorists are being advised of a series of temporary road closures, speed limits and traffic restrictions that will be in place to support the safe running of the Belladrum Tartan Heart Festival 2026.   The Highland Council has introduced a Temporary Traffic Regulation Order to manage traffic and reduce disruption in the area around Kiltarlity and Belladrum during the event period.  

2/7/2026 : Local Authority

A New Pay Deal For England's Teachers But Scottish Teach Are Still Better Paid But Councils Are Landed With The Problem

teachers in Scotland are generally still paid more than teachers in England, although the gap varies depending on experience and location.   The UK Government has announced a two-year pay deal for teachers in England: 3.5% from September 2026 3.0% from September 2027 This is a cumulative increase of around 6.6% over two years.  

26/6/2026 : Local Authority

The Highland Council agree next steps for Visitor Levy scheme

The Highland Council has agreed to continue working with the tourism industry to co-design a draft Visitor Levy scheme for the Highlands.   It follows the Council securing greater flexibility from The Scottish Government on how a Visitor Levy could be applied and administered, after feedback from accommodation providers and industry groups across the Highlands about a percentage-based charge.  

26/6/2026 : Local Authority

Highland Wealth Fund to create lasting legacy from renewable energy development

The Highland Council has agreed plans to establish a Highland Wealth Fund to create a lasting legacy from renewable energy development and support long-term benefits for communities across the region.   Inspired by the principles of the Norwegian Sovereign Wealth Fund, the new partnership-led fund will support strategic, regional, area and local priority projects, helping to ensure that the opportunities created by the energy transition deliver lasting value for current and future generations.  

25/6/2026 : Local Authority

Apply For Education Maintenance Allowance If you are 16 to 19 years old

If you are 16 to 19 years old, at school or college, and come from a low-income household you may be able to get financial help from an Education Maintenance Allowance (EMA).   EMA is a weekly allowance of £30 per week, paid during term time.  

22/6/2026 : Local Authority

 
Highland Council launches new platform to improve online engagement

The Highland Council has today (Monday 22 June) launched a new online engagement platform which will transform how residents, communities and visitors engage with consultations.   The easy-to-use platform allows anyone to quickly see what projects and proposals are open for consultation and engagement.  

22/6/2026 : Local Authority

A Tale of Two Schools - Is Thurso Next? As Moray Council Shelves £100million school plan for Buckie

When Moray Council officially shelved plans for a new Buckie High School, it sent a shockwave through communities across the north of Scotland.  The message was clear: in the current economic climate, even the most desperate promises of new school builds can vanish overnight when balanced against a massive budget deficit.