Robertson to lead on digital revolution

HIGHLANDS and Islands Enterprise (HIE) area manager for Shetland Stuart Robertson has been appointed director of digital at the development agency.

The appointment can be seen as a clear indication that HIE is stepping up its efforts to ensure that businesses and communities across the region are able to harness the benefits of digital communications, including next-generation broadband.

Mr Robertson said he was delighted to be part of a major project that would have lasting impact and deliver benefits to people across more than half of Scotland.

The Scottish government announced in June this year that £120m had been allocated for infrastructure funding.

A further £5m was allocated in August to establish Community Broadband Scotland, to be administered by HIE to support projects across the country from 2013.

With regional rollout of next-generation broadband estimated to cost between £200 and £300m, HIE is seeking major private-sector co-investment and is in dialogue with BT.

Robertson said: “Creating the conditions for a digital Highlands and Islands isn’t all about infrastructure. It’s also about making sure our businesses and communities are able to reap the full benefits that digital technology can offer.

“There are some serious challenges that the region has to face in the years ahead – technical, geographical and financial hurdles which we need to find ways to overcome.

“However the prize of a truly digital region, able to compete internationally, attract new investment and support a broad range of modern businesses, is well worth fighting for.”

The agency’s chief executive, Alex Paterson, added: “As well as establishing the infrastructure, HIE is working to help businesses gain the understanding and skills they need to harness the power of new digital technology to drive economic growth.

“Next-generation broadband will be a game changer, and HIE has been leading the drive to secure access for all parts of the Highlands and Islands for some years now.

“It’s a fact of life that the telecoms companies won’t invest in sparsely populated areas where they’ll be unable to make a profit, so public support is essential to ensure that rural and island communities don’t get left behind.

“Rollout has already started to happen in some communities and we want to help accelerate that process and spread it out to reach every community.”

All being well, HIE expects to reach agreement with BT by the end of 2012, which will enable rollout to get under way on schedule next year.

Rachel Hunter, senior development manager at HIE’s Shetland office, will take on the role of acting area manager while a permanent successor is recruited.

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