HOMES and businesses in Biggar have been given a boost after the installation of high-speed fibre broadband.

Part of a £410m Digital Scotland Superfast Broadband programme, the investment will benefit 1,500 properties and businesses in the area.

Biggar Rugby Football Club joined the Digital Scotland team on the High Street on Monday, October 17 to unveil one of the new fibre street cabinets that will serve part of the town.

Alistair Stewart, the President at Biggar Rugby Football Club, said: “We run an Academy at the club and video all our youth and senior matches.

"Previously, we found that our download speed was an issue as it would take such a long time to get a video onto the platform we use to help the players evaluate performance. The launch of fibre broadband in the area will enable us to have a faster speed, which is a real advantage.”

Other nearby places to benefit from the digital rollout, led by the Scottish Government, include Dolphinton and Carnwath. Further coverage will follow as engineers from Openreach, BT’s local network business, continue work on the ground.

Chair of South Lanarkshire Council’s Enterprise Services Committee, Councillor Chris Thompson, said: “Super-fast fibre broadband will benefit both local residents and businesses. Broadband is an essential part of South Lanarkshire’s present and future. It’s vital that we embrace this latest generation of technology in order for our local economy to remain competitive.

“Better, faster communications boost businesses, helping them grow, and create more jobs. What’s more, local residents can enjoy faster browsing and downloading at home. This is great news for Biggar and I look forward to fibre being rolled out across the rest of the area.”

Residents need to sign up for the new services with an internet service provider, as upgrades are not automatic. 

An interactive map has been set up on the Digital Scotland website (http://www.scotlandsuperfast.com/where-when/) for residents to find out if they can get the service and further information is also available on Twitter @ScotSuperfast or Facebook at www.facebook.com/scotlandsuperfast.