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Access to high speed broadband is vital to unlocking the next stage of Scotland's economic development, Rural Affairs Secretary Richard Lochhead told delegates at a specially convened rural broadband summit today.

He was co-hosting the event with Enterprise Minister Jim Mather to discuss the comprehensive rollout of broadband throughout rural Scotland.

It followed the launch last week of the Scottish Government's Digital Strategy and marks the publication of Our Rural Future - the Scottish Government's response to the recent 'Speak Up for Rural Scotland' consultation - which identifies the provision of broadband in rural areas as a major priority.

Mr Lochhead told representatives from the telecoms industry, local authorities, Scottish Enterprise and Highlands and Islands Enterprise.

"This Government is committed to supporting rural life, rural communities and the rural economy. The provision of broadband is key to unlocking the next stage of Scotland's development and ensuring that everyone has access to the opportunities technology brings.

"Our rural population is rising - up 20,000, or three per cent - between 2007 and 2009. At the same time the number of people employed in rural Scotland increased by five per cent to 513,000.

"We have made significant improvements to increase access to employment and services across rural Scotland but that far more opportunities will open up with the provision of broadband.

"That is why I consulted widely last summer through the 'Speak Up for Rural Scotland' consultation, on advice from the Rural Development Council on what matters for the rural economy. The consultation responses showed an overwhelming consensus that access to high speed broadband is central to the future development of rural areas.

"' Our Rural Future' recognises the broadband priority as well as many others that will enable rural Scotland to maximise its contribution to the nation's sustainable economic growth."

Enterprise Minister Jim Mather added:

"Widespread provision of broadband can help strengthen those parts of our economy with the potential to generate growth, such as our world leading creative industries and life sciences. We have been working to improve Scotland's broadband infrastructure and want to see as many people as possible - including rural businesses - gain a competitive advantage from it.

"The Scottish Government's Digital Strategy sets out our commitment to do all we can to work with industry and the wider public sector to ensure next generation broadband is available across Scotland. We have an opportunity here for Scotland to lead the world - it is time to turn that opportunity into reality."

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