R100 digital connectivity in Perth and Kinross

High-quality, digital infrastructure is a critical factor in business competitiveness, and across Perth and Kinross the continued rollout of full fibre broadband is helping to create the conditions for long-term, sustainable, economic growth.

More than 5,600 homes and business premises in some of the region’s most rural and hard-to-reach locations can now access faster, more reliable broadband through the Scottish Government’s Reaching 100% (R100) programme, delivered by Openreach.

More than 104 Perth and Kinross businesses have taken up an R100-supported service, the majority choosing gigabit-capable full fibre connections. Those organisations represent a diverse mix of sectors, from tourism and rural enterprises to retail, engineering and waste management, demonstrating the importance of digital connectivity across the whole business base.

Perth and Kinross Council leader Councillor Eric Drysdale, convener of the local authority’s Economy and Infrastructure Committee said, “A staggering 27,000 premises across the region can now access Openreach’s full fibre network, strengthening the region’s long-term digital infrastructure and Perth and Kinross’s position as a competitive investment location in Scotland.

“As more locations come online, the programme is removing traditional barriers linked to distance and connectivity, enabling companies of all sizes to successfully locate in the region’s high-quality environments while remaining fully connected to global markets.

“We know that gigabit broadband gives businesses the capacity to run cloud-based systems, e-commerce, digital marketing, data-driven operations and flexible working. These capabilities are essential for future proofing productivity, reaching new markets and supporting innovation – and Perth and Kinross is now more ready than ever.”

Investing in Perth and Kinross

For investors and growing businesses, this continued digital transformation reinforces Perth and Kinross as a location where organisations can innovate, scale and connect to opportunities across Scotland, the UK and international markets.

R100 strengthens the region’s digital foundations, supporting innovation-led projects in clean growth, advanced manufacturing, and the circular economy, while enabling businesses to scale from both urban and rural locations.

Guy McGregor at Binn Group commented, "High-capacity, reliable digital connectivity is now a fundamental part of how we operate and grow at Binn. Our processes rely on real-time data, system optimisation and consistent strong connection.

"The rollout of full fibre through the R100 programme is helping to remove traditional rural barriers, allowing businesses like ours to innovate and improve from a Perth and Kinross location. That level of connectivity supports more efficient operations, drives investment in new technologies and strengthens the region’s ability to attract and grow circular economy and clean growth."

The rollout of full fibre through the R100 programme is helping to remove traditional rural barriers, allowing businesses like ours to innovate, scale and compete in national and international markets from a Perth and Kinross location. That level of connectivity supports more efficient operations, drives investment in new technologies and strengthens the region’s ability to attract and grow circular economy and clean growth industries.”

National Evaluation of R100

National evaluation of the R100 programme shows a clear majority of connected businesses reporting positive impacts on performance, with many experiencing productivity gains, increased innovation and access to new customers. (Scottish Government (2024), Reaching 100% (R100) Programme: Interim Evaluation.)

• 69% of connected organisations report improved performance
• 76% see productivity gains
• 52% report increased innovation
• 31% access new markets
• 80% of the rollout focused on rural areas

For a region where key growth sectors operate across both urban and rural locations, these statistics illustrate a transformational shift.

Business Minister Richard Lochhead said: “Access to fast, reliable broadband is vital for Scottish communities and businesses to thrive. I am delighted that 20,000 more homes and businesses, including in Perth and Kinross, are now benefiting from the Scottish Government’s £600+ million R100 programme as a result of investment made in 2025 – with more to come.”

Looking towards a connected future

The continued expansion of full fibre connectivity is strengthening the digital foundations that innovation-led investment depends on. Across Perth and Kinross, this is supporting a portfolio of nationally significant opportunities where data, collaboration, advanced processes and smart systems are central to growth.

Investment opportunities directly benefitting from the R100 rollout include:

Eco-Innovation Park at Perth West. Designed around smart energy, mobility and low-carbon innovation, the park will bring together research, industry and commercial partners. High-capacity connectivity enables real-time data sharing, testing of new technologies and the delivery of integrated energy and transport solutions.

Binn Eco Park and the Advanced Plastics Sorting and Upcycling Facility (APSuF). The development of circular economy infrastructure at Binn depends on digitally enabled system optimisation, process monitoring, skills and training, and research partnerships. Full fibre connectivity allows these advanced manufacturing and resource-recovery operations to scale and compete from a rural location.

Northfield Business Park. A key location for food and drink production, logistics and national operational headquarters, where modern manufacturing, traceability, automation and supply-chain integration increasingly rely on resilient, high-speed connectivity.

PLUS: Perth and Kinross Community’s Benefitting from R100. Communities including Alyth, Ballinluig, Blairgowrie, Bridge of Gaur, Burrelton, Butterstone, Coupar Angus, Essendy, Kinrossie, Meigle and Strathtay are among the latest to benefit, with further connections planned in the coming months for Aberfeldy, Bridge of Cally, Caputh, Dunkeld, Inchture, Invergowrie, Longforgan and Strathardle.

Find out more about Investment Opportunities in Perth & Kinross