I had a very successful surgery in Skipness where I heard from and spoke to many of my constituents about pressing local issues.

The need for a fit for purpose broadband service was mentioned time and time again not just from individual Skipness residents for personal use but from local businesses who are looking to grow and expand. In some cases businesses are having to have and pay for up to four separate phone lines just to have basic levels of speed and functionality from a local network which remains wanting.

Whether it be a community broadband solution or more direct funding for better broadband infrastructure from both BT Openreach and central government one thing is certain the status quo cannot continue. If we are to see local businesses remain in, move to and prosper in the Kintyre and the Islands ward and across Argyll then our archaic broadband facilities must be brought up to the same standards that are enjoyed in the cities.

Cllr Alastair Redman