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Action to put Scotland at the forefront of the digital economy has been announced in the Scottish Government's Digital Strategy which was launched today.

Culture Minister Fiona Hyslop set out how Ministers aim to achieve their ambitions for Scotland's digital future, including a widespread rollout of next generation broadband and increased digital participation.

Ms Hyslop said:

"The digital age offers many opportunities for all of Scotland to grow and prosper. The Scottish Government's Digital Strategy makes clear our commitment to do all we can to take advantage of emerging technologies for the benefit of the whole country.

"Last week we published our updated Economic Recovery Plan, setting out how we would strengthen growth as we emerge from the recession. This strategy is a crucial part of our work to establish an economic environment that is attractive to growth companies.

"Digital advances are vital to the development of those sectors of the Scottish economy which have potential to drive future growth, such as our world-leading creative industries and life sciences. Improving digital infrastructure, skills and participation will help us build on these successes and provide opportunities for everyone in Scotland to flourish.

"We want next generation broadband to be available throughout Scotland by 2020 with significant progress by 2015, and for the rate of broadband uptake in Scotland to match and then overtake the UK average. This strategy sets out how we will achieve these ambitions.

"There is a clear role for the public sector in realising Scotland's digital future - widening access to services online, encouraging increased digital participation and coordinating the rollout of next generation broadband. These are the key issues that need to be addressed but we also recognise that funding can play a part, which is why we are today announcing #1.5 million for a programme of activity in 2011/12 to improve the uptake and use of broadband. It includes support to get more businesses online and #500,000 to continue a fund for Scottish libraries, in recognition of their role providing communities with free broadband access and increasing levels of digital participation.

"The private sector is already taking the lead by upgrading infrastructure to improve access and speed and we want this to continue. The Scottish Government will do all it can to work with industry to ensure next generation broadband is available across the whole of Scotland, with a particular focus on rural provision. The Highlands and Islands' successful bid to pilot superfast broadband is a significant step forward and we must now look to establishing a digital future for all."

UK Digital Champion Martha Lane Fox said:

"Today's launch is another step forward in the Race Online 2012 ambition to achieve a Networked Nation. I look forward to working with the Scottish Government to help inspire, encourage and support as many new people as possible to get online by the end of the Olympic year."

Ms Hyslop launched the strategy on a visit to Digital Design Studio at Glasgow School of Art and also unveiled an animated fly-through of Stirling Castle created using cutting-edge scanning techniques.

She said:

"This Stirling Castle animation is a fantastic example of how new technology is helping to deliver tangible economic benefits for Scotland, with an impact on education, skills, jobs, tourism and our international reputation. For example, it will be used to promote Scotland overseas as well as providing specialist training in historic construction techniques."

Dr Paul Chapman, Deputy Director of Digital Design Studio, said:

"Our mission is to continually push the boundaries of digital media. We have research and industrial contracts in Scotland and overseas, spanning arts, science, medical, engineering and broadcast disciplines. These are fully integrated with postgraduate academic activities embracing imagination, multi-disciplinary thinking and the development and use of new and emerging technologies."

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