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Scotland’s Digital Future: Infrastructure Action Plan, published on 31 January 2012, sets out the Scottish Government’s 2020 world-class digital connectivity targets, with a step-change by 2015. The 2015 target – availability of broadband at a speed of 40-80 Megabits per second (Mbps) to 85-90% of premises – is outlined in Programme 1 of the Infrastructure Action Plan, and will be delivered by two closely related procurements.

As we progress through delivery and implementation of Programme 1, we will be working collaboratively with Stirling Council to ensure that we fully understand local plans and priorities in the region.

The Scottish Government held detailed discussions with BT in respect of the Exchange Activate Upgrade Programme, announced on 9 December 2009, in which 81 Exchange Activate exchanges, including Trochry and Amulree, received upgrades.

The objective of this programme was to increase capacity at exchanges which, at the time, were operating at full capacity (or were projected to reach full capacity).

Further upgrades to Exchange Activate exchanges are a matter for BT.

Scotland’s Digital Future: Infrastructure Action Plan, published on 31 January 2012, sets out the Scottish Government’s 2020 world-class digital connectivity targets, with a step-change by 2015. The 2015 target – availability of broadband at a speed of 40-80 Megabits per second (Mbps) to 85-90% of premises – is outlined in Programme 1 of the Infrastructure Action Plan, and will be delivered by two closely related procurements.

As we progress through delivery and implementation of Programme 1, we will be working collaboratively with Perth and Kinross Council to ensure that we fully understand local plans and priorities in the region.

Scotland’s Digital Future: Infrastructure Action Plan, published on 31 January 2012, sets out the Scottish Government’s 2020 world-class digital connectivity targets, with a step-change by 2015. The 2015 target – availability of broadband at a speed of 40-80 Megabits per second (Mbps) to 85-90% of premises – is outlined in Programme 1 of the Infrastructure Action Plan, and will be delivered by two closely related procurements.

As we progress through delivery and implementation of Programme 1, we will be working collaboratively with Fife Council to ensure that we fully understand local plans and priorities in the region.

Cities and their regions are key drivers of the economy. As part of the Scottish Cities Alliance, Perth will play a full part in seeking increased investment, jobs and businesses in cities and their regions, delivering a benefit for Scotland as a whole. The revision of the National Planning Framework, announced in March 2012, will provide a further opportunity to consider the role of cities in the national context.

I am delighted that Perth has been awarded city status as part of the Queen’s Diamond Jubilee celebrations. It has been welcomed into the Scottish Cities Alliance and, along with Scotland’s other cities, Perth will be able to access the £7 million Cities Investment Fund to help develop collaborative programmes that promote growth, lever investment and protect and create jobs. It will also be able to apply for UK and EU funding for cities and the Scottish Cities Alliance will be considering how best to maximise investment in all Scotland’s cities and their regions.

Perth is currently widely promoted across Scotland's key markets under the Perthshire brand. Now it has regained city status, VisitScotland’s promotional material will highlight Perth as a city. Perth will also take its place in the cities section of VisitScotland's consumer website following its re-launch at the end of this month. In addition to other ongoing marketing activity, VisitScotland will also continue to work closely with the Perthshire Area Tourism Partnership on developing a tourism strategy and action plan for the area.

The Scottish Government recognises that world-class digital infrastructure is essential for Scotland’s future economic growth. That is why the Scottish Government, in Scotland’s Digital Future - Infrastructure Action Plan, has clearly set out its commitment to ensuring the availability of world-class digital access in Scotland by 2020. The action plan has also set an interim milestone of ensuring the availability of broadband at a speed of 40-80 Megabits per second (Mbps) to 85-90% of premises by 2015. We will also put in place measures to ensure an uplift in service can be delivered to the remaining 10-15% for whom delivery of broadband at this speed will not be possible.

Upgrading of BT exchanges such as those at Trochry and Amulree is a matter for BT.

Scotland’s Digital Future - Infrastructure Action Plan makes clear the Scottish Government’s 2015 connectivity targets – broadband at a speed of 40-80 Megabits per second (Mbps) to 85-90% of premises. We will also put in place measures to ensure an uplift in service can be delivered to the remaining 10-15% for whom delivery of broadband at this speed will not be possible.

The Scottish Government is clear that all areas in Scotland where the market will not deliver commercially represent our priorities for broadband investment. As we progress through delivery and implementation of our forthcoming procurement plan, we will be working closely with local authorities – including Perth and Kinross Council – to ensure that we fully understand local plans and priorities.