Sep 29 2010
The Shetland Fibre Optic Network project will receive a £367,500 European funding.
The objective of the project is to link the Shetland islands to a optical cable between the Scottish mainland and the Faroe Islands. The Finance Minister of Scotland, John Swinney made the announcement regarding the grant.
The fibre optic cable will enhance the broadband connections across the islands. In addition, another scheme intended to support training for the individuals employed in medium and small enterprises in Shetland, will receive the funding. The Shetland Business Growth Training Scheme is a recipient of a £85,500 grant, and the scheme is based at the economic development unit of the council.
The European £453,000 grant for the Shetland projects comes under a £2.3 million funding package. This package will benefit other projects in the colleges in Stornoway, Morey, Thurso and Inverness, a housing association in the region of Campbeltown, and on the islands of Gigha and Coll.
Swinney stated that the award uses the efforts of the Scottish Government to enhance broadband services throughout Scotland, as well as to achieve its economic and social advantages.