Following a long-running campaign by regional Labour MSP Peter Peacock, the debate has been brought forward as part of his efforts to secure better broadband for the Highlands and Islands.

"The debate is another opportunity to advance the case for greater investment in broadband for the whole of the Highlands and Islands, but I also want to set out not just what the problem is, but where potential solutions may be found," says Mr Peacock.

In doing so Mr Peacock will set out how he believes parts of the Highlands and Islands could leapfrog the rest of the country and begin to establish super-fast broadband ahead of other areas.

He will call on the Scottish government to work closely with key public agencies and local communities to deliver the benefits of higher speed and capacity broadband.

Mr Peacock continues: "The vast bulk of the Highlands and Islands has a very good broadband network connections to all our schools and libraries and other public buildings.

"That infrastructure was commissioned by the last Scottish Executive and paid for by public funds at the cost of some £50million.

"I believe that the network may hold the key to local communities now getting better broadband through some access to that network."

He expands: "At a community level I know of a number of places anxious to get on with helping secure better broadband to their area.

"By linking a current government programme of funding for broadband to access to the existing network, and using the very fast developing, affordable and very high capacity wireless technology now available, we could help get super-fast broadband out quicker than all current estimates."

Mr Peacock also revealed that he was involved in a series of meetings and discussions with key agencies and players in the broadband world.

He plans to meet with representatives of Highland Council soon to explore how to open access to the existing network of broadband connections running throughout the region, as a key part of future strategy.