MSP questions adequacy of Scottish broadband funding

Chic Brodie MSP has become the latest figure to claim Scotland has not received enough money from Westminster to roll out super-fast broadband services.

Speaking to the Carrick Gazette, the SNP member for South Scotland said the £68.8 million funding package confirmed by Culture Secretary Jeremy Hunt last week may fall short of requirements.

"Any help towards equipping rural Scotland with super-fast broadband is welcome, but I don't think Mr Hunt's announcement goes far enough," Mr Brodie told the newspaper.

He added that improving broadband provision across Scotland is going to be "an expensive business", particularly as many service providers will struggle to overcome the infrastructure challenges posed by remote communities.

Scotland's Cabinet Secretary for Infrastructure and Capital Investment Alex Neil has already claimed the UK funding allocation will be insufficient to meet the country's needs.

The £68.8 million awarded to Scotland forms part of the £530 million Broadband Delivery UK fund, with £294.8 million handed out to English counties.