Communications Minister Ed Vaizey has announced his backing for a new superfast broadband programme that will bring fast download speeds to around 600,000 homes.

A fishing community in the north-east of Scotland called Buckie will be the first place to receive high-speed connections.

Currently, 400 premises in Buckie can order fibre optic broadband services, which will be delivered by BT, but this will rise to 5,300 as engineers begin work in the area.

This will be followed by other remote communities in the Highlands area and the Scottish islands, which currently struggle with poor internet infrastructure.

Mr Vaizey said: "The UK already does more business online than any other European country and widespread access to superfast speeds will provide a welcome boost to Scotland’s economy."

Other authorities set to be included in the £410 million programme include West Dunbartonshire, West Lothian and Dumfries and Galloway.

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