Connecting up could become a real asset

It follows the launch of a Scottish Executive website for checking the level of broadband access.

The executive hopes the Broadband For Scotland site will help sellers make their property more attractive by signing up to a high-speed connection.

The Edinburgh Solicitors Property Centre said broadband "definitely" made properties more commercial.

The website also contains information on broadband availability in rural communities and how residents can register with their local exchange to be activated.

Lagging behind

Simon Fairclough, head of marketing for the Edinburgh Solicitors Property Centre, said: "Having a broadband connection can definitely increase the potential of your home in the eyes of buyers.

"Buyers should certainly check out whether the area has broadband access or not.

"Even if they don't want it now, it may become invaluable in later years and could be a factor in selling the property."

Scotland currently lags behind the rest of the UK on broadband.

About 66% of areas north of the border have access compared with 80% in England.

Scottish comedians Ford Kiernan and Elaine C.Smith are fronting the publicity campaign.