The Scottish Government has announced £18 million to connect 12,500 premises to gigabit-capable broadband in Dumfries & Galloway.

The money will come from the UK Government and will be co-managed by the Scottish Government, with premises in Dumfries & Galloway added to the existing Project Gigabit contract being delivered by Openreach.

This will build on the 8,000 gigabit-capable connections already delivered in Dumfries & Galloway by the Scottish Government’s £600m+ R100 programme.    

Build for the Project Gigabit contract started in Autumn 2025 and will deliver gigabit-capable broadband to over 77,000 premises in Scotland covering some of the hardest-to-reach communities in the Highlands, Na h-Eileanan an Iar, Argyll and Bute, as well as parts of Central and Southern Scotland.

Business minister Richard Lochhead said: "Fast, reliable broadband is essential for connecting communities and supporting economic growth across Scotland. This additional investment will ensure that more homes and businesses in Dumfries & Galloway can access the gigabit-capable connections they need to thrive in the digital age.”

“Through our own R100 programme and the management of Project Gigabit in Scotland, we are further boosting connections across the region to ensure that even more communities will benefit from faster, reliable broadband for generations to come.”

UK Government Telecoms Minister Liz Lloyd said:   “Whether it’s a farmer managing their business, or people video-calling loved ones, fast and reliable broadband makes everyday life easier. This investment will bring those opportunities to thousands more across Dumfries & Galloway.”