Now that the Bank is fully established, and has a growing portfolio of investments, work is underway to create the advisory group. The advisory group will provide advice to Scottish Ministers on the Bank’s objects, conduct and performance.

The Scottish Government is considering options for remit and membership.

As of 28 June 2023, a total of 3,551 vouchers have been issued through the Reaching 100% (R100) Scottish Broadband Voucher Scheme.

2,985 of those vouchers have had their build confirmed at a total Scottish Government investment of £5,470,355.80.

The remaining 566 vouchers have been issued – however, as build for these has not yet been completed, we have not received invoices for them. As such, the additional voucher value of these cannot be confirmed at this time.

The Scottish Government has not suspended the Scottish Capital Investment Manual process.

The Scottish Government has not suspended the Scottish Capital Investment Manual process.

The Scottish Capital Investment Manual is not being replaced and will continue to be utilised.

The Scottish Household Survey 1 is published annually and contains statistics on internet access and use by a number of categories. The publication contains statistics covering internet access by household income, Scottish Index of Multiple Deprivation (SIMD) quintile, tenure, and urban-rural classification, as well as internet usage by age, disability, household income, and SIMD quintile. Additionally, the publication contains information on access to smart appliances, methods of access (e.g. smartphone, tablet, personal computer, laptop etc.), and confidence in using the internet by age and tenure

Furthermore, the Scottish Government is taking forward evaluations of digital infrastructure projects which will enable understanding of the impacts of investment. We have published the Digital Appraisal Manual for Scotland 2 and, informed by this guidance, are taking forward evaluations of the Scottish 4G Infill Programme, and R100 Programme. Evaluations will involve research engaging with affected areas and communities, and allow for gathering of evidence on how people and businesses are using this infrastructure, the associated benefits (e.g. productivity, wellbeing, environmental), and barriers to access.

By embedding best practice in appraisal and evaluation in digital policy making in Scotland, we will not only be able to monitor the effectiveness of our investments as impacts materialise, but we will also be best placed to refine our evidence base and develop effective policies in future.

1. Scottish Household Survey: publications - gov.scot (www.gov.scot)

2. Digital appraisal manual for Scotland: guidance - gov.scot (www.gov.scot)

In 2021, Scottish Government officials began exploring with Starlink the possibility of becoming a Reaching 100% Programme Scottish Broadband Voucher Scheme (R100 SBVS) supplier.

At that time, Starlink chose not to register as a provider for the scheme.

Earlier this year, officials requested a further meeting with Starlink to explore whether they might reconsider their position.

Although not currently registered as an R100 SBVS supplier, Starlink do offer commercial services across most parts of Scotland.

Details of the infrastructure improvements to be constructed as part of the Aberdeen Central Belt Journey Time Improvements Project will be contained with the Outline Business Case for the project, which will be available once complete.

A date for contract award for construction of the Aberdeen Central Belt Journey Time Improvement Project has not yet been set. A design contract has previously been awarded and design works are underway.

Transport Scotland and Network Rail regularly meet stakeholders to update them on the progress of the design of this project.