As you may or may not be aware the current superfast broadband roll out is not going to reach the North Skye areas of Glendale, Duntulm, and Waternish.
Having identified that reliable next generation broadband is effectively a third utility after power and water, it essential that our communities do not miss out on our only opportunity to secure access to this much needed infrastructure. The Glendale Trust has secured funding from Community Broadband Scotland and HIE to undertake a community lead project which will seek to ensure our areas can benefit from funding made available for areas which will miss out on the proposed BT fibre rollout.
We are very aware that many in our areas are already inadequately served and that the digital divide is set to widen.
The 1st phase of the project has secured the services of Mull and Iona Community Trust who are already well ahead in delivering their own project on the Isle of Mull and surrounding area. The initial phase will seek to gather information from the communities affected and will include, mapping current and future expected provision, demand for next generation services and provide information regarding the project through public meetings and consultation in each area.
The aim is to provide our areas with futureproof locally managed superfast fibre class broadband services.
We have scheduled meetings in each area, Waternish 28th April 7:30pm (Waternish Hall 7:30pm), Duntulm 29th April (Kilmuir Hall 7:30pm) and Glendale 30th April (Glendale Hall 7:30pm), a poster advertising the meetings and locations is here. We would very much appreciate your support in distributing this information locally to ensure the project gets the maximum level of exposure in each area. There will be a survey carried out over the next few weeks leading up to and over the period of the public meetings. More details on this will follow and again we would very much welcome your support in distributing the survey in your area.
Here is the press release which has been issued this week and we have now created a Facebook page North Skye Broadband which will also provide a way to further engage and provide information.