NFU Scotland is urging those farmers and crofters suffering from dismal broadband speeds to investigate their eligibility for free superfast satellite broadband upgrade under the Digital Scotland programme.

A substantial number across Scotland still struggle with poor broadband services, creating frustration when it comes to running their business, completing forms or simply accessing the internet.

As part of the Digital Scotland plan, the Better Broadband Subsidy Scheme will cover or contribute to the cost of installing improved wireless or satellite broadband for eligible businesses and homes who are currently stuck with speeds of less than two megabytes per second (Mbps). The scheme offers a voucher worth up to £350 for each home and business and is part of the broader ambition to have the whole of the country enjoying superfast broadband by 2020.

Under the scheme, Digital Scotland has released an initial 2,000 postcodes that automatically qualify to receive a voucher towards a broadband upgrade. A further tranche of postcodes covering the Highlands and Islands are expected in due course.

Market round-up

United Auctions sold 601 store heifers at Stirling on Wednesday to a top of 280.9p per kg and an average of 218.7p (-10.1p on the week), while 1092 store, beef-bred bullocks peaked at 273.7p and levelled at 227.8p (-7.5p). Twenty store, B&W bullocks sold to 166.1p and averaged 151.8p (-3.7p), while 89 store bulls peaked at 259.3p and levelled at 215p (no comparison).

In the rough ring 111 beef cows sold to £1550 per head and 211.5p per kg to average 134.3p (+5p), while 19 dairy cows peaked at £1090 and 125.4p to level at 106.3p (+2.3p).

C&D Auction Marts Ltd sold 8 prime heifers in Dumfries on Wednesday to a top of 226p and an average of 204.8p, while four prime bullocks peaked at 193p and levelled at 179.4p. Seven prime bulls sold to 175p and averaged 151p.

There were 66 OTM cattle presented in the rough ring when beef cows sold to £1352 and 166p to average 133.7p, while dairy cows peaked at £1037.50 and 163p to level at 111.5p.

The firm also sold 772 prime hoggs to a top of £87 per head and 180p per kg to average 167.1p (-4.2p).

A nice show of 401 cast sheep saw heavy ewes sell to £127.50 for Texels and average £86.59 (+£14.42), while light ewes peaked at £73.50 for Cheviots and levelled at £53.92 (+£7.28).

Messrs Craig Wilson Ltd sold 659 prime hoggs in Newton Stewart on Wednesday to a top of £86.20 and 176.2p to average 161.5p (-5.1p).

There were also 161 cast sheep forward when ewes sold to £136 for Texels and £66.50 for Blackfaces.