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Villages next to receive free wi-fi


By Jamie Hall

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FREE wi-fi has been rolled out in two Highland villages thanks to a project led by Highland Council.

Drumnadrochit and Fort Augustus are the first in a planned series of developments in towns and villages across the area.

The initiative, which has been christened "High-fi", has been set up to stimulate economic growth across the north and will be funded through the Inverness and Highland City-Region Deal.

Margaret Davidson, leader of Highland Council, said: "This project is fantastic news for all of these towns and villages and I am sure it will be welcomed by residents and visitors.

"Drumnadrochit and Fort Augustus are busy tourist villages and people need ready access to get online.

"Digital connectivity is essential these days for daily life and the free access to wi-fi will enable visitors and locals to make the most of local businesses by checking what’s on, where to visit, opening hours, accommodation and prices, as well as finding local job opportunities and keeping in touch with family and friends.

"High-fi will be great for posting photos of this beautiful area on social media and helping to promote the Glen, and all the Highland region offers, to the wider world. I hope to see lots of High-fi."

The project is now in its third phase after the pilot stage, which saw wi-fi installed in Inverness city centre, was extended across the city.

Identical projects are underway in Aviemore, Fort William and Nairn, and the council plans to extend the rollout across Alness, Dingwall, Dornoch, Invergordon, Portree, Tain, Thurso, Ullapool and Wick.

Work is expected to be completed on the project in the coming weeks.

UK government minister Lord Duncan said: "Digital connectivity isn’t a luxury, it’s a necessity. The roll out of free wi-fi will help locals and businesses as well as making it easier for tourists visiting picturesque locations such as these to share their experiences with people back home.

"I am pleased that the UK government was able to directly support this essential project as part of the Inverness and Highland City-Region Deal funding."


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