The Scottish Government must recognise the poor standard of broadband connectivity in parts of Perthshire, especially Highland Perthshire and eastern Perthshire, is holding back local businesses and frustrating households: that is the message from MSP Murdo Fraser after he raised the matter in the Scottish Parliament. In a parliamentary question to the Scottish Government, Murdo Fraser asked whether the Scottish Government will make Perthshire a priority area for broadband investment. In response, Cabinet Secretary for Infrastructure and Capital Investment Mr Alex Neil MSP stated: “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 & Kinross Council – to ensure that we fully understand local plans and priorities.” Murdo Fraser said: “The Scottish Government must understand the growing frustration from local businesses and residents in Perthshire regarding the lack of broadband connectivity, including those who live in the Amulree, Butterstone, Glenshee, Trochry, Loch Tay, Strathbraan and Strathardle areas of Perthshire. “I have spoken with many local residents and businesses and it is clear that the poor service needs to be upgraded. It is disappointing that the Scottish Government will not make Perthshire a priority area for investment as we need to see our local exchanges upgraded to provide faster and more reliable broadband. “It is clear that the current broadband speeds on offer in parts of Highland Perthshire and east Perthshire are holding back local businesses from developing as well as frustrating family-life. Simple services which people in the cities take for granted, such as downloading a large work document or watching BBC iplayer, are not an option in parts of Perthshire. That is why the Scottish Government must make Perthshire a priority for having fast and reliable broadband connectivity.”