Openreach has announced that 1,000 homes and businesses in North Berwick can now connect to its new 'ultrafast' broadband network.

This full fibre broadband upgrade will allow thousands of residents to connect multiple devices at gigabit-capable speeds.

More than 34,000 properties across East Lothian are now able to upgrade to full fibre.

The company is also working on Fibre Community Partnerships in Garvald and Gifford, where it co-funds and builds new full fibre networks for small clusters not included in any other upgrade plans.

Robert Thorburn, Openreach partnership director for Scotland, said: "We’ve got a lot of work either under way or planned across East Lothian, so we want to let local people know what to expect.

"We’re looking to upgrade as many homes and businesses as possible while our teams are working locally, so residents will spot more engineers, technicians, equipment and vans.

"We work hard to build safely and limit disruption.

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"Wherever we can, we use our existing network of ducts and poles to avoid roadworks, digging and disturbance.

"But there may be places where we have to put in new poles or underground ducts and cables if it’s the only way to include some people in the upgrade."

Openreach’s new 'ultrafast' full fibre network now passes more than 1.3 million Scottish properties.

The company plans to build to 25 million UK homes and businesses by the end of 2026, with an ambition to reach up to 30 million by the end of the decade.

Openreach build partner Morrison Telecom Services (MTS) is helping to deliver the North Berwick roll-out.

Mr Thorburn said: "Full fibre is the UK's most reliable broadband technology, so when it arrives in communities, it opens up massive digital opportunities.

"Research shows that connecting everyone in Scotland would bring a multi-billion pound productivity boost too."