A £70 million project to deliver high-speed broadband to residents living across Scotland is "progressing well", according to the Highland council.

The government project aims to provide internet to 452 sites across the country and the Highland council has responded to recent criticism that work was behind schedule with the announcement that 111 of the sites have now been connected.

The remaining sites are expected to be connected by telecoms company Thus in 2009.

The scheme will also extend Argyll and Bute, as well as Moray, Orkney, Shetland and the Western Isles.

A spokesperson told the BBC that: "The partnership continues to work hard to meet agreed target dates to deliver the benefits this project will bring ... through the roll-out of high speed broadband access."

The Scottish government website asserts its commitment to provide broadband for every person that has registered interest in receiving broadband services.

New registrations for the scheme are now closed.