Born in 1946 and brought up in Cupar, Fife, I was educated at the local school - 
The move has been launched by the Scottish Government to help support areas where there are no plans to bring superfast broadband to addresses by the end of 2021.
Banffshire and Buchan Coast MSP Stewart Stevenson has welcomed the move and is encouraging businesses and residential premises to apply for the scheme.
Businesses with addresses that are either not in scope for a signed R100 contract or for planned commercial investment prior to the 2021 deadline will be eligible for the main voucher.
It will provide up to £5,000 per premise - including those in the North of Scotland where roll-out plans are still to be firmed up.
Meanwhile, residential premises - where superfast broadband plans are known but not likely to be deployed until after 2021 - will be able to access support up to £400.
Paul Wheelhouse, Minister for Energy, Connectivity and the Islands, said:
“We will also ensure that those in the most difficult-to-reach locations can secure vital connectivity by providing an additional subsidy of £250.
“This will not prevent the deployment of the planned R100 intervention for those premises, for example where fibre to the premises is ultimately scheduled under the R100 programme but will allow customers to access an interim superfast service using alternative technologies while the build on the longer-term solution is undertaken.”
“This will not prevent the deployment of the planned R100 intervention for those premises, for example where fibre to the premises is ultimately scheduled under the R100 programme but will allow customers to access an interim superfast service using alternative technologies while the build on the longer-term solution is undertaken.”
Vouchers can be used to cover the cost of installation association with securing a service across a range of superfast-capable technologies including fibre, fixed wireless, mobile broadband and satellite.
Commenting, Stewart Stevenson MSP said:
“I am pleased the Scottish Government has set out its plans to help support business and residential premises where superfast broadband roll-out will not be accessible before December 31st 2021.
“It is important we continue to provide the best access we can – particularly in rural areas – as the roll-out continues.
“This voucher scheme is of a level exceeding any other in the UK for broadband and I would encourage anyone who may be eligible to apply.
“This is an interim step which will allow for alternative technologies while the Scottish Government continues its work on the longer-term solutions.”
“It is important we continue to provide the best access we can – particularly in rural areas – as the roll-out continues.
“This voucher scheme is of a level exceeding any other in the UK for broadband and I would encourage anyone who may be eligible to apply.
“This is an interim step which will allow for alternative technologies while the Scottish Government continues its work on the longer-term solutions.”
