New research has revealed the Popple Burn Park in Ednam in the Scottish Borders has the second worst broadband speed in Scotland.
Research by USwitch, a price comparison website, found that the Roxburghshire village had average download speeds of just 2.07 Mbps, narrowly beaten to the slowest speed by Aultachruine in Glenshiel with 2.06 Mbps.
This is compared to the fastest speed in Scotland, Cairn Wynd in Inverurie, with average speeds of 276.40 Mbps, more than 100 times faster.
The fastest speed in the UK was in Warrington in Cheshire with a speed of 639 Mbps. The slowest speed in the UK was in Weybridge in Surrey, with just 0.12 Mbps.
The sluggish speeds have led to calls for improved broadband for rural areas like the Borders.
John Lamont MP said:
“There is little more frustrating than slow internet speeds. I am not surprised to see Ednam with such slow speeds as it is a common complaint from constituents.
“This comes as the Scottish Government delay the rollout of their flagship R100 programme by two years, to 2023, which is really disappointing.
“The importance of a quick and reliable broadband connection has been shown to many of this year with more working from home, or even just spending more time at home.
“Our rural economy relies on better broadband, as only then can the full potential of Borders businesses and entrepreneurs be fully realised.”
Rachael Hamilton MSP said:
“The importance of a reliable and fast broadband connection has become very clear during this pandemic.
“The original Digital Scotland Superfast Broadband didn’t include Ednam, like many villages and rural areas across the Borders, and they are not getting the speeds or reliability they deserve.
“The SNP’s flagship R100 broadband programme is now two years behind schedule and rural areas are suffering.
“Paul Wheelhouse MSP is in charge of this programme in his capacity as Minister for Connectivity, and he must clarify for the Borders what action is being taken now to improve speeds.
“It should be a matter of urgent priority for the SNP Government to ensure that, with more of us working at home, good broadband provision is in place”.
