Rural Stirlingshire community to move into internet fast lane with broadband investment

dailyrecord.co.uk:

A community near Doune has secured access to superfast connectivity through Stirling Council’s award-winning rural broadband programme.The village of Buchany had previously suffered from poor broadband coverage but is now benefiting from the life-changing tech following a grant of £35,500 from the council and the efforts of local people.Buchany Broadband Group, formed by members of the local community, was awarded the funding to design and build a fixed wireless solution, which is now delivering fast and reliable connectivity to 30 businesses and homes.Since 2019, the council has supported 23 alternative broadband projects across Stirling, with over 1,100 premises securing ultrafast connectivity.

As well as supplying funding, the programme provides communities with technical and project management support.Local businesses have hailed the vastly improved connectivity in the Buchany area, with an internet speed up to 100mbps.Wendy Robertson, manager of Café Circa at the Scottish Antiques and Arts Centre, said: “We are delighted to be connected to this ultrafast service.

This brings much- needed stability and speed to our business which relies on digital connectivity for almost all aspects of our daily running.”Rory McLeod, estate manager at Doune for Moray Estates, said: “Being able to access a gigabit broadband has transformed how our business operates.

The service is so much faster and reliable, allowing the business to perform tasks, such as digital mapping, which in the past was unthinkable.”Councillor Jen Preston, vice convener of the council’s finance and economy committee, said: “Enhanced digital connectivity is life-changing for rural residents and businesses.