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| Bed & Breakfast News | Christmas 2016
on our very own doorsteps - that brings the spirit of Scotland alive .
And you can help us share that history , heritage and archeology with those who come to stay with you , using a range of tools available on the VisitScotland website .
Broadband
I ’ m aware that many of you , particularly in rural areas may not yet have access to broadband . The Scottish Government has purposely set the bar high on digital connectivity and put it at the heart of our agenda . It underpins our economic strategy - helping our businesses reach new markets ; and ensuring that people can work flexibly right across the country .
We are committed to extending superfast broadband access to every premise in Scotland by 2021 . This will build on our existing Digital Scotland investment that is driving broadband access right across the country .
Our investment through the Digital Scotland programme will deliver fibre broadband access to at least 95 % of premises by the end of next year , and our commitment to deliver 100 % superfast coverage by 2021 will ensure that no-one will be excluded from the digital revolution .
Above : Tourism Minister Fiona Hyslop MSP after announcing the launch of the Scottish B & B Association , with SBBA Chairman David Weston .
The Scottish Bed and Breakfast Association
So we are working hard as a Government to support the tourism industry - and we know from the growth in visitor spending - over £ 5bn this year for first time - that we are achieving success .
This conference will give you that chance to build on that success , to make contacts and to learn from those that are the best in the business - like Carol and Gordon Bulloch of the Five Star Gold B & B The Dulaig in Grantown on Spey - the AA ’ s Guest Accommodation of the Year for Scotland 2016 [ see p7 ].
And Carol and Gordon will be the very first members of the new Scottish Bed and Breakfast Association , which I am delighted to launch today .
The Association will play a vital role in supporting the sector and I very much look forward to working with you all in the coming months and years to help support and grow the Scottish B & B and guesthouse sector .
I hope you enjoy the rest of the conference and I very much look forward to my next stay in one of our excellent B & Bs .”