Tiny South Ayrshire village celebrates first ever phone signal

It has taken until 2025 - but the rural South Ayrshire village of Barr is finally enjoying mobile phone signal.

For the first time ever, locals can now make mobile calls and access 4G thanks to a new antenna installed in the village, ending its long-standing reputation as a mobile signal black spot.

The milestone was marked this week with an official switch-on attended by local MP Elaine Stewart, who hailed the move as a major step forward for rural inclusion and digital equality.

Tom Walker, Chair of Barr Community Council, said it’s a moment they’ve worked years to make happen.

He told Clyde 1: "I'm proud to say thar Barr village is no longer a digital not-spot!

"The community council has arranged for the installation of an antenna, which means that villagers can now have a mobile phone signal for the first time ever.

"It's one of the last places in Scotland not to have a mobile phone signal, and so this will hopefully make a big difference to help get people connected.

"Most people have just gotten used to Wi-Fi calling or just relying on a landline but it brings all sorts of problems.

"If you're a visitor, you won't be able to get in touch with people, for safety if you're out walking and have a call, and for delivery drivers who aren't able to use GPS or satnav.

"We're hoping it'll help everyone, young people will be able to make calls while out as normal, older people will be able to make calls if they have a fall to get help quicker.

"For some people this will be transformative.

"For others, they might be a bit nostalgic and miss the ability to disappear and be uncontactable!"

The project was delivered by Wave Mobile and funded through the Scottish Futures Trust. The infrastructure now provides reliable 4G coverage for residents, businesses and visitors.

Elaine Stewart, MP for Ayr, Carrick and Cumnock, said: "Rural communities are too often left behind when it comes to digital connectivity.

"After Storm Eowyn, people in Barr are all too familiar with the damage and disruption that harsh weather conditions can cause to critical infrastructure.

"Actions like this transform isolation into inclusion, giving communities like Barr better access to opportunities and essential online services."

Barr Community Council has also recently provided £75 storm support vouchers to every household, Christmas gifts for schoolchildren, and free TV licences for over-75s.

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