AYR MSP John Scott is calling for better broadband speeds across his constituency.

In this week's Parliamentary question time, the Conservative MSP quizzed the Cabinet Secretary for Connectivity, Fergus Ewing on the issue.

John Scott said: “Along with many other parts of my constituency, access to fibre broadband in Ayr town centre remains very patchy and this is a matter that has been raised with me by several local businesses.

“If we want to help these local businesses grow and embrace the economic advantages offered from online trading then we need to see a much quicker rollout of high speed broadband locally than has so far been the case.

“Orders for fibre broadband are open to businesses and residential properties across our area, but in too many instances it remains unclear when the necessary connections will become available to fulfil those orders.

“I am looking to the Scottish Government to apply the maximum pressure possible on broadband providers to accelerate the delivery of high speed services to every home and business in our area and end the broadband gap that still affects too many local people.”

In his response to John Scott’s question, Fergus Ewing said: "The issue does not seem to have impeded the efficacy of John Scott’s output, so I am pleased about that. 

"However, he has raised a perfectly good point, as have all members who have commented. The issue is plainly one of the priorities for us all across these islands over the next few years. 

"It is absolutely serious, so it is vital that we work together—while not letting the commercial operators off the hook—collectively to deliver a better service. Without that, as Mr Scott pointed out, it is not possible for businesses to do their business and be open to market. 

"It is a perfectly fair and reasonable point, so I am keen to work with all members to achieve the objectives that we have set out.