Ford Kiernan is promoting the benefits of fast access

Scottish Enterprise and the Scottish Executive are launching a campaign fronted by comedians Ford Kiernan and Elaine C Smith and backed by �2.75m.

Adverts will run across newspapers and television and be supported by an information hotline and a website.

Broadband coverage north of the border runs at 65%, 15% lower than the rest of the UK.

Ford Kiernan, who starred in the BBC Scotland TV series Chewin' the Fat and Still Game, said: "In the dark days of BB - before broadband - I used to wait ages for stuff to download.

We all need to ensure that our electronic highways are as full as possible of Scottish business people Iain McMillan CBI Scotland

"Not any more. With broadband there's no waiting. And that's why I urge everyone to get it.

"Broadband isn't just good for the individual, it's good for families, businesses and above all for Scotland."

He is being joined by Rab C Nesbitt actress Elaine C Smith, who played the Glaswegian street philosopher's long-suffering wife, Mary.

Enterprise Minister Jim Wallace said broadband was crucial to growing the Scottish economy.

"It is essential that we increase demand for broadband, to share in the benefits it can bring," said Mr Wallace.

The campaign is also being backed by consumer and business groups.

Iain McMillan, director of CBI Scotland, said: "We all need to ensure that our electronic highways are as full as possible of Scottish business people using the broadband technology to grow their businesses and boost productivity."

The marketing drive, which runs until next March, is being jointly funded by Scottish Enterprise, Highlands and Islands Enterprise and the Scottish Executive.