Each of the 113 households in Grimsay, an island roughly three miles long and half again in width, joined to North Uist and Benbecula by a causeway, is now able to access reliable ultrafast broadband. Subsequently, 65% of households have already signed up for the service.

Similarly, 220 households on Great Bernera, 100 miles north of Grimsay, can connect to the ultrafast network.

The networks were installed by engineers from Openreach through the Digital Scotland Superfast Broadband project, led in the area by Highlands and Islands Enterprise (HIE).

The network has been constructed using 90KM of new fibre cables, capable of carrying services at 1Gbps which is around 18.5 times faster than the UK’s current average of 54 Mbps.

Previously, these two have been connected to the internet by a wireless connection over an independent radio network, with a top download speed of around 2Mbps. For people living in Grimsay and Grea Bernera, the installation of reliable, full fibre broadband is revolutionary.

Joe FitzPatrick, Scottish Government minister for public health, sport and wellbeing, is visiting Grimsay today to see the effect high-speed technology is having on the lives of local people.

He said: “Many people living here are engaged in traditional industries, with the island renowned for the quality of the seafood caught off its shores. Full fibre not only enables local industries to engage fully online, but future-proofs the island for economic development and growth. In a world where technology is a main driver, good connectivity levels the playing field, creating new opportunities and stemming depopulation. It will also undoubtedly be of great benefit to residents in the area when it comes to healthcare.

“Programmes such as Attend Anywhere gives patients the ability to have virtual appointments with healthcare professionals via their laptop, tablet or mobile – a service the residents of Grimsay and Great Bernera can now access, thanks to the high quality and future-proofed digital infrastructure delivered by the DSSB programme.”

He added: “However, we recognise that not everyone has access to such services and that more must be done. This is why, despite the reserved nature of telecoms in the United Kingdom, we have made the commitment to deliver 100% superfast broadband access in Scotland and backed that commitment with the substantial investment of £600 million in the procurement phase for the Reaching 100% programme.”

HIE digital senior development manager, Donnie Morrison, who lives in Lewis, said: “It’s great to see small rural communities like Grimsay and Great Bernera benefit from the best hard-wired broadband right into their homes and businesses. With access to health, business, and lifestyle technology it’s a huge benefit for those already living here, and in keeping and attracting our young workforce who want quality of life and global career prospects.”