But that is not how "action" is defined in Scotland. Instead, we have yet another "Infrastructure Action Plan" complete with graph asserting that we will somehow find the burst of speed to become a global leader, plus more stuff about structures and processes. Months have been spent inventing new bureaucracy, including a "digital programme office" (not to be confused with the "digital programme board"), devising a procurement strategy launching in September 2012, "developing a full plan" by Christmas, and an actual contract by June 2013. Three years after the rhetorical launch of this venture we have no boost to rural business for at least another year. More inexpert bureaucrats will be kept busy longer, but no technocratic private-sector leadership enlisted. It is not "action" as commonly understood.
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Superfast in the slow lane In memory
When Alex Neil promised a January "action" plan for superfast broadband, he raised hopes that men in vans would be installing hi-tech fibre cabinets around the lochs and glens in a matter of months, catching up with what has happened from the Isles of Scilly to the hills of Antrim.
