Mobile mast on Islay resolves another total mobile not-spot in Scotland

The second mast under the Shared Rural Network programme in Scotland that is bringing 4G coverage to an area that was otherwise a total not-spot is now live.

Residents, businesses and visitors to Islay, and locations such as Machir Bay, Saligo Bay, Loch Gorm, and Cultoon Stone Circle, as well as along the western coast of Islay should now have 4G available from the mobile network operators.

“I think people on the mainland take reliable 4G connectivity for granted, but we certainly don’t. From a business perspective, our visitors are now able to post reviews and photos before they leave the site, something guests often forgot to do before, as they had to wait until they had a mobile signal. We can also now run live presentations and tastings from areas outside the distillery which allows more people to see how our traditional farm distilling process works.

It makes our ability to communicate with suppliers and team members much quicker as well. In modern business, these sorts of efficiencies are important to our overall success as a local enterprise and international brand.”“

Islay Heads, General Manager, Kilchoman Distillery

“Fast and reliable mobile coverage is absolutely essential for modern life. It helps our emergency services respond to incidents, keeps our businesses growing, and makes it easier for local communities to stay in touch with one another.

Thanks to the government’s Shared Rural Network Programme, every part of the UK – including Islay’s rural not spots that have previously had no mobile coverage – can finally make the most of the digital age.“

Telecoms Minister, Liz Lloyd

As I am never shy at waving my hand and question statements at conferences, I’ll do the same now, the quote from the Minister could be read as every part of the UK has mobile coverage, but I am willing to bet that most readers will know of at least one not-spot within a few miles of where they live. The Ofcom Connected Nations report published in November 2025 and using data from summer 2025 showed mobile coverage from one or more mobile networks was available to 96% of the UK, a big improvement on the 90% from 2020, still a good way from being every part.