'First' mobile coverage for parts of Western Isles

Mobile phone coverage has been provided to parts of the Western Isles for the first time, according to Virgin Media O2.

A communications mast was installed on South Uist as part of the £1bn Shared Rural Network (SRN) programme, which was set up to tackle "not spots" - areas with poor or no mobile phone coverage.

Virgin Media O2 said the new site provided a reliable signal for all mobile networks in South Uist and almost all of neighbouring Benbecula.

It is the first location to be completed as part of the programme's second phase of work.

The first phase was completed in June and involved 227 sites.

SRN is a joint initiative between mobile network operators and the UK government to extend 4G connectivity to 95% of the UK’s landmass by the end of 2025.

In July, the project installed the UK's highest phone mast 1,108m (3,635ft) above sea level at Glencoe Mountain Resort.

Virgin Media O2 said the South Uist site would serve islanders and many of the 200,000 people who visit the island every year.

Last year, the programme was criticised for some of the proposed locations for the rollout of digital masts.

The John Muir Trust and National Trust for Scotland were among conservation charities concerned about sites in areas of wild land in Torridon, Knoydart and Glen Affric.

The UK government said reliable connectivity improved people's safety and was fundamental to growing rural economies.