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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.”