Two Perthshire politicians have welcomed £100,000 in funding from chancellor of the exchequer Rishi Sunak for a ground-breaking cyber security project in Perth.
The Cyber Security Neurodiversity Skills Development Programme aims to support autistic and neuro-diverse young people to develop cyber security skills, as well as giving them the confidence and employability skills to progress in this increasingly crucial industry.
The award will be made to Perth Autism Support and the University of the Highlands and Islands as part of the UK Government’s Community Renewal fund.
The Community Renewal Fund was established to support people and communities most in need across the UK through projects seeking to invest in local communities or offer skills or support to improve job opportunities.
Announced as part of the UK Government’s levelling-up programme, £8 million will be provided to improve broadband across 3600 premises in Scotland.
Project Gigabit is the biggest broadband roll-out in UK history and is part of the UK Government’s plan to level up communities.
Murdo Fraser MSP, who represents Mid Scotland and Fife for the Scottish Conservatives, hailed the project and said it is “yet further evidence Rishi Sunak will step up to support rural and remote communities in Perth and Kinross ”.
Mr Fraser added that guaranteeing premises will have access to the fastest available broadband speeds is crucial to accelerating Perth and Kinross’s recovery from the COVID pandemic.
Commenting he said: “Rishi Sunak has once again delivered crucial funding to support rural and remote communities in Perth and Kinross.
He added: “Having access to the fastest broadband speeds is absolutely vital for the region’s recovery.
“This funding boost from Rishi Sunak will help to ensure the hardest to reach premises in Perth and Kinross can now be connected.
“It is imperative all of our focus is on our recovery and that both of Scotland’s Governments work together to deliver the best broadband possible for communities in Perth and Kinross.”
Fellow Scottish Conservative MSP for the Mid Scotland and Fife region, Liz Smith also welcomed the move. She said: “This is a brilliant scheme which will help neuro-diverse young people access the skills they need to succeed in the cyber-security industry.”
