More than 3,000 hard-to-reach homes and businesses in Orkney have been given access to faster, more reliable broadband through the Reaching 100% (R100)  programme, according to new figures. 

People in Shapinsay, Deerness, Eday, Sanday, Stronsay and Westray, and in and around the Mainland communities of Harray, Tankerness and Finstown are the latest to benefit from the £600+ million Scottish Government R100 contracts being delivered by digital network Openreach. 

They’re among around 90,000 properties now reached through the R100 contracts across Scotland. 

Over the next six months, engineers are due to connect more properties in South Ronaldsay, Hoy, South Walls and Bow.

Business Minister in the Scottish Government, Richard Lochhead said:

“Access to fast, reliable broadband is vital for Scottish communities and businesses to thrive. I am delighted that 20,000 more homes and businesses including in Orkney are now benefiting from the Scottish Government’s £600+ million R100 programme as a result of investment made in 2025 – with more to come. 

“Working with Openreach, we’re delivering future-proofed connectivity that will help local businesses increase their productivity and ensure people can stay connected no matter where they live. We exceeded our target to bring this vital connectivity to many thousands of premises in 2025/26 and I hope to replicate that performance in the coming months.”

Full fibre technology offers a faster, more reliable broadband connection. The once-in-a-generation technology enables locals to connect multiple devices at gigabit-capable speeds and will help businesses trade online and compete for decades to come.

People living in Scotland can see if they can upgrade to full fibre by visiting Openreach’s full fibre checker. 

Robert Thorburn, Openreach Partnership Director for Scotland, said:

“The rollout of fast, reliable broadband to hard-to-reach homes and businesses in Orkney is building real momentum.

“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, and we encourage local businesses and residents to check online to see if they can get a faster, more reliable service.”