Water pipes are used to increase broadband speed on remote islands

An “ingenious approach” has boosted broadband for residents of a Scottish island, using water pipes for connections for the first time in Britain.

Fiber optic cables have been installed in a second pipe in the drinking water network on Papa Westray – said to be Orkney’s most remote island.

It means that almost every business and resident on the island can receive speeds comparable to other parts of Scotland.

Funding from the Scottish Government enabled contractor CloudNet to install the cabling into pipes, with the approach seen as a more efficient and less disruptive alternative to conventional cable laying methods.

This was possible because the island’s water system is community owned, streamlining the process of obtaining consent.

He said: “Scotland is famous around the world for its innovation. We’re working with rural communities in the most imaginative ways to bring faster broadband to some of the hardest-to-reach parts of the country.

“This project showcases engineering creativity at its best and makes it easier for residents to do business and access essential services such as healthcare and education.

“This will also help attract people to live and work at Papa Westray.”

The project is part of the Scottish Government’s R100 program to improve broadband speeds in remote and rural areas, and he said ministers are “helping to deliver a fair, green and growing economy for all our regions”.

“Due to the topography of the island, we used the water network to deliver fiber to the property. This minimized excavation and excessive project construction costs to meet program needs.”

The project also made it possible to place sensors remotely in the pipes, providing a more advanced way to monitor water quality.

Ian Cursiter, supply engineer at Papa Westray Water Board, said: “Without this high-speed connectivity I would not be able to remotely monitor my farm or the island’s water network.

“The real benefit of monitoring the water network for usage levels, pressures and so on is to provide a much more efficient water system, which will ultimately be more environmentally friendly and cost-effective for the islanders.

“I have lived on Papa Westray all my life and I am delighted with the connectivity that allows islanders to access the same facilities as those on the mainland.”