Questions have been raised about government promises to guarantee broadband access for all by 2021, as interim figures show there is still a way to go to meet this target.

The Scottish Government has previously committed to provide superfast broadband for all homes in Scotland but statistics show that nearly 3,000 premises across Renfrewshire and East Renfrewshire are still unable to access this service.

Conservative MSP Maurice Golden has expressed concern after a new Audit Scotland report highlighted major issues the government could face in meeting its pledge in the next three years.

Data from Ofcom and thinkbroadband highlighted that more than 2,000 premises in Renfrewshire are still unable to access superfast broadband, while the figure for East Renfrewshire is 900.

The report from thinkbroadband also showed the proportion of premises in both areas which have access to higher-quality broadband.

In East Renfrewshire, more than 98 per cent of homes and businesses now have access to superfast broadband – up from around 70 per cent eight years ago.

Meanwhile, Renfrewshire has around 97 per cent superfast broadband coverage – up from 72 per cent since 2012.

Maurice Golden MSP, who represents West Scotland, said: “The Audit Scotland report highlights the many challenges the SNP Government still face in terms of meeting their 100 per cent broadband pledge.

“While a lot of good work has been done in East Renfrewshire and Renfrewshire, it is unacceptable that over 2,900 premises are still waiting to enjoy the benefits of being connected to superfast broadband.

“Having this level of broadband access is absolutely vital for growing the local economy in the coming years, so this region must not miss out.

“That is why the SNP Government must ensure that their 2021 pledge is fully met for residents and businesses in East Renfrewshire and Renfrewshire.”

Across Scotland, East Renfrewshire and Renfrewshire have some of the highest average broadband speeds of any local authorities.

The two local areas experience average speeds of around 35 megabits per second (Mb/s) – the fifth and sixth highest of any council areas in Scotland.

Scotland as a whole has around 93 per cent coverage of superfast broadband internet, with rural and island areas experiencing the lowest speeds in the country.

Fraser McKinlay, Audit Scotland’s director of performance audit and best value, said: “Fast, reliable internet access is now considered an essential part of everyday life.

“Good progress has been made to date but the toughest hurdle remains - to extend the benefits to everyone, particularly remote and rural communities.

“As well as being the toughest hurdle, it is not yet clear how the Scottish Government is going to fulfil its pledge to deliver superfast broadband to everyone by the end of 2021.”

Cabinet secretary for transport, infrastructure and connectivity, Paul Wheelhouse, said: “The Scottish Government remains committed to extending superfast broadband access to every home and business in Scotland by the end of 2021.

“The Audit Scotland report highlights the possibility the initial procurement, to which the Scottish Government has committed £600million, may not on its own complete the job and the work the Scottish Government is taking forward in parallel to design a series of aligned interventions (if needed) will ensure the 100 per cent commitment can be met.”