Local MP Welcomes Funding for Cowie, Plean and Fallin
Stirling MP Alyn Smith has welcomed news that Stirling’s Eastern Villages are set to enjoy high-speed internet by the end of the year.
£5 million in funding has been secured, through a combination of partners and support from the Scottish National Investment Bank, with the works set to be carried out by contractor Lothian Broadband – in close partnership with Stirling Council.
The project build is due to commence by August 2023, with full-fibre gigabit service scheduled to be available in Cowie by the end of September, Plean by the end of October and Fallin by the end of December – providing more than 3,400 properties the opportunity to connect.
Lothian Broadband will also install and supply a fibre service to at least 4 community facilities in the area, and provide a social tariff which will offer cheaper broadband packages for residents claiming Universal Credit, Pension Credit and some other benefits.
Local Stirling MP Alyn Smith said:
‘This is a real win for the Eastern Villages, who otherwise faced being left behind in the digital revolution. With so much of our lives now dependent on reliable, high-speed internet, I always thought it a huge injustice that Cowie, Plean and Fallin were excluded from other infrastructure plans. I’m very glad to see a solution has been found, and thanks to support from the Scottish National Investment Bank and others this project can get started.
‘The Eastern Villages are fantastic communities in their own right, and this valuable work will only enhance their attractiveness to live, work, study, visit or start a business in. The pandemic taught us the value of digital inclusion, and by rolling out this high-speed internet we’ll be able to tackle poverty, social exclusion and boost all the good things happening in these communities. Well done to everyone involved – now let’s make it happen.’
