The Citizen Participation and Public Petitions Committee will conclude its work this Parliament in March 2026 ahead of the next Scottish Parliament election. So the Committee has time to complete its work, it has agreed not to consider petitions submitted after 10 October.

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Closed petition PE2127: Develop a new Digital Connectivity Plan for the Highlands and Islands

Calling on the Scottish Parliament to urge the Scottish Government to develop a new Digital Connectivity Plan for the Highlands and Islands that aims to:

  • address digital infrastructure gaps

  • improve mobile internet coverage

  • establish public-private partnerships

  • support economic growth, education and healthcare

Background information

The Scottish Government should introduce a new comprehensive Digital Connectivity Plan specifically designed for the Highlands and Islands.

Despite progress, rural and island communities still face significant broadband and mobile coverage gaps, impacting local businesses, healthcare, education, and quality of life. 25% of Shetland households experience speeds under 30Mbps, and mobile service is unreliable in many areas, reducing opportunities for growth and tourism. The upcoming retirement of copper phone lines by 2027 and the shutdown of radio teleswitch meters by 2025 adds urgency to the situation.

This petition urges investment in digital infrastructure, public-private partnerships, and regular progress updates to improve coverage and bridge the digital divide.

Enhancing connectivity will enable economic development, support remote healthcare services, and improve educational access, ensuring these communities can thrive in the modern economy.

  • Created by John Robert Erskine
  • Date closed 24 September 2025

This petition was considered by the Scottish Parliament

Find out about the decisions taken on this petition

131 signatures