More than 2,100 properties now have access to full fibre in Orkney through the R100 programme, and 1,200 in Shetland.

The Scottish Government’s R100 scheme has now delivered faster internet access to more than 3,300 hard-to-reach households and businesses in Orkney and Shetland, according to the latest figures.

People in Westray, Shapinsay, Birsay, Rousay and Sandwick in Orkney, and West Sandwick and Gutcher on Yell and Uyeasound on Unst in Shetland are the latest to benefit from the £600 million Reaching 100% (R100) broadband contracts being delivered by digital network Openreach.

They’re among around 70,000 properties now reached by the R100 build across Scotland, as engineers continue work on the ground.

Overall demand for full fibre services has topped 44% in the islands (41% in Orkney and 48% in Shetland), ahead of the Scottish average of 38% .

Business Minister in the Scottish Government Richard Lochhead said:

“Our Reaching 100% digital connectivity programme is bringing faster, reliable broadband to more people across Scotland every single day.

“Reliable internet isn’t just a convenience. It provides better access to education and public services, enables remote working and provides more opportunities for rural businesses to reach global markets. That’s why we’re committed to extending coverage where upgrades are most needed.

 “With around 70,000 premises now connected through these contracts, I look forward to monitoring continued progress as rural communities make use of their new full fibre connections.”

The R100 contracts are being delivered by digital network Openreach and its build partners.

Openreach Partnership Director Robert Thorburn added:

“There’s been more good progress in our efforts to connect Orkney and Shetland’s hardest-to-reach homes and businesses.

“Our engineers are showing real innovation to upgrade these communities, putting them on a digital par with city centres and bringing a welcome economic boost.

“We’re excited to see more people moving to full fibre services. We’d encourage local businesses and residents to check online to see if they can get a faster, more reliable service and learn more about our future build plans.

“In addition to the R100 rollout in the islands, upgrades to Lerwick and Kirkwall through our commercial build plans are due to start this year.”

Full fibre broadband offers speeds more than 30 times faster than the Scottish Government’s original superfast targets, providing a future-proof connection that supports everything from seamless streaming and online gaming to enhanced productivity for businesses.

Residents can check if their property is ready for connection and register for updates at www.openreach.co.uk/r100. Once the technology is available, customers can arrange upgrades through their preferred provider.