AN AYRSHIRE MSP has welcomed news that 43,758 premises in East and South Ayrshire have been connected to fibre-based broadband thanks to £1 billion of investment from the  Scottish Government.

Ayr, Carrick and Cumnock MSP Elena Whitham was responding to an announcement that the Digital Scotland Superfast Broadband (DSSB) programme, which launched in 2014, had now connected over 950,600 premises in Scotland to fibre-based broadband – over 150,000 more than originally anticipated.

In addition, the £600 million Reaching 100% (R100) programme is rolling out connections in some of the country’s most challenging rural locations.

The SNP MSP has said that this landmark achievement had been vital for improving digital connectivity in Ayrshire and creating new and enhanced opportunities in this community for education, employment, and leisure.

Independent analysis has also shown that the programme is delivering £12 of benefits to the economy for every £1 of public funding.

Ms Whitham said: "I welcome that 43,758 premises in East and South Ayrshire have been connected to fibre-based broadband thanks to direct investment from the SNP Scottish Government and its £463 million Digital Scotland Superfast Broadband (DSSB) programme.

“Thanks to SNP action, over 950,600 premises across Scotland now have access to fibre-based broadband – delivering for both the community and the economy.

“We know how essential fast and reliable broadband is for both households and businesses in our day-to-day lives, and this ambitious programme underlines the Scottish Government’s commitment to improving digital connectivity and creating a green, growing economy for Ayrshire and beyond."

The MSP added: “I recognise the struggles of those living in our rural areas who are still not connected.

"We are making important progress to changing this and my constituents have my full support as we do so.”