This is in addition to £68.8m already allocated to Scotland for investment in its broadband network.

The Government has today announced that it is making available a further £32 million of funding to ensure that Scotland is on track with its plans to deliver superfast broadband.

This funding is in addition to £68.8 million that has already been allocated to Scotland for investment in its broadband network, taking the total to over £100 million.

The Secretary of State Michael Moore said: "Access to superfast broadband means Scottish businesses can expand, develop new markets and compete globally. It also allows local communities to access public services more quickly and efficiently online.

"Providing Scotland with high-speed broadband is essential for businesses to grow and to create the new jobs we need. That is why the UK Government believes broadband is essential not only for everyday life, but also for the future economic success of Scotland and the UK."

This additional funding will allow many more premises across Scotland to be given superfast connections to the broadband network, including in the Highlands and Islands where the infrastructure is currently less developed and the costs of connecting additional premises are much higher than other parts of the UK.