£70m broadband project launched

Pupils have become the first in the Highlands and Islands to use a high speed broadband link installed as part of a seven-year £70m contract.

Children at Crown Primary School in Inverness spoke to First Minister Jack McConnell over the internet to mark the project's launch.

The Scottish Executive is contributing £63m towards its costs.

Schools, libraries and offices will be among 850 public buildings that will have broadband installed.

Telecoms company, THUS plc, won the contract to deliver the project.