A HISTORIC Borders site is in line for a major technological boost.

Five locations across the south of Scotland and north of England are to share in £3.8m of funding designed to plug a digital divide experienced by rural communities.

The sites will benefit from the 5G funding programme, with AWTG Ltd appointed as lead supplier.

The Borderlands Partnership has secured the funding from the Department of Science, Innovation and Technology (DSIT) to develop and deliver the Borderlands 5G Innovation Region Programme.

Through investing in advanced wireless coverage and smart technology, the programme seeks to understand the potential for this technology to contribute to the rural tourism sector.

The Borderlands 5G Innovation venues are spread across the region at The Crook Inn on the Destination Tweed trail, Kielder Castle and Water, Stranraer Marina, The Sill near Hadrian’s Wall and Windermere Ferry.

Councillor Euan Jardine, the leader of Scottish Borders Council and Borderlands Partnership Board co-chair, said: “The Borderlands Partnership is targeting transformational and inclusive improvement, creating opportunities for all businesses and communities across the region to thrive.

“I am excited to see how this programme contributes towards our ambitions for the region and puts Borderlands on the map as an area for innovation.”

The Borderlands region attracts more than 63 million visitors each year.

The rugged landscape and rural nature of the region make the Borderlands highly desirable to visit. However, historically the challenges in delivering infrastructure in the region has restricted investment in connectivity.

Survey work has already begun, with an ambition of the Borderlands 5G Innovation venues to begin to benefit from this investment by the beginning of next year.

Visit www.borderlandsgrowth.com/the-borderlands/5gir for more information.