About Us

In November 2016, SCD took the initiative to use windfarm funding to address the issue of the poor broadband coverage within Strathdearn, particularly in the outlying parts of the community.

Collaboration with Openreach

SCD began by engaging with Openreach, to explore the possibility of upgrading the local network to FTTP (Fibre to the Premises). This would provide fibre connectivity directly to homes, offering the fastest and most reliable broadband speeds available. Openreach then developed a plan for the upgrade, which was divided into several stages due to the complexity and scale of the project.

It was agreed that where needed, property owners would also take on a vital part of the installation by physically digging trenches to lay the fibre cables connecting their homes.

Choosing Fibre Over Wireless

When Openreach first presented the proposal to SCD, there was some debate about whether wireless technology could be an alternative. However, fibre was ultimately chosen due to its higher speeds, future-proof capabilities, and resilience to disruptions caused by frequent winter storms, which could impact wireless systems. 

Prioritising Key Areas

Eligibility for the scheme was based on existing broadband speeds and the geographical suitability of each property, meaning not all households were included in the initial phase of the project.  After much deliberation, it was agreed that the areas of Moy, Ruthven, and Lynbeg would be prioritised, as they had the largest populations with very poor broadband connectivity.

Installation Timeline

The installation was split into three phases:

• Moy, Lynebeg, Ruthven (2017-2018): The project to bring superfast broadband to Moy received praise from BT, which highlighted it as a model for rural communities. Agreements with Openreach led to the installation of three cabinets, and nearly every household registered for a £350 “Better Broadband Voucher”, significantly reducing costs.
• Glenmazeran “Up the Glen” (2018-2019): After the success in Moy, SCD faced financial challenges in progressing the next stage of the project. With limited funds, SCD reached out to property owners in Glenmazeran for donations, raising £41,000. Additionally, Strathdearn Charitable Trust contributed £45,000, and the combined community and private support made this phase possible.
• Tomatin Village and Balvraid (2020-2022): In December 2020, SCD reached out to 135 properties connected to the Tomatin telephone exchange, offering them a free FTTP upgrade if they signed up to the Openreach Rural Gigabit scheme. While many residents eagerly accepted, others with better existing connections were hesitant. To ensure the project’s success, SCD conducted door-to-door outreach and used social media to promote the benefits of the upgrade. With enough support secured, Openreach proceeded with the installation. By February 2022, the necessary groundwork was completed, and all 135 properties involved in the project were upgraded to FTTP.

A Testament to Community Collaboration

As the project continues and more properties are connected, Strathdearn has become a model for rural broadband improvement, demonstrating that even the most ambitious projects can succeed when a community comes together.

Without the collective commitment and dedication of residents, volunteers, and local stakeholders, this success would not have been possible. SCD would like to express their sincere gratitude to James Macpherson and Steve Cormack for their tireless dedication to the project. They volunteered countless hours, going above and beyond by personally delivering information to households, raising funds, resolving snagging issues and addressing community questions.