Mid-Scotland and Fife MSP Murdo Fraser has noted recommendations made by the Rural Commission on broadband.
The independent Rural Commission was set up by the Scottish Conservatives to look into all aspects of rural life, and how the Scottish Government could do more to improve access to housing, services and employment opportunities.
Amongst the policy recommendations in the report are calls for more investment for rural broadband, calls to consider introducing coastal and marine National Parks and the need to further support rural tourism.
The party will now consider the details of the report which will help inform future manifestos.
Commenting Murdo Fraser MSP said:
“This report is good news for communities in Perth and Kinross, Fife, Stirling and Clackmannanshire and demonstrates the commitment the Scottish Conservatives are making to support rural communities.
“With around one in five people in Scotland living in rural areas such as Mid-Scotland and Fife, it is vital that the Scottish Government work to ensure that we receive our fair share.
“When it comes to important issues such as access to broadband, areas like ours often lose out, and I am delighted that the report has looked into ways for this to improve. Undoubtedly, poor broadband provision and insufficient levels of digital infrastructure are combining to hold back residents and businesses throughout the region. Making broadband a universal service obligation could help achieve better digital services in rural areas.
“Whilst not all of these recommendations will be adopted as party policy, they will help shape future manifestos and ensure that the Scottish Conservatives are fighting to meet the needs of those in rural communities. We need to ensure that rural areas continue to prosper in the future and this report has many ideas that could help achieve this.”