Scotland is preparing for the launch of its own top-level domain that will allow people to choose a .scot web or email address for the first time.
About 50 sites run by ‘launch pioneers’ are expected to go live at midday today. WWF Scotland, NHS Scotland, Scouts Scotland, the Scottish government and referendum campaigners Yes Scotland and Better Together are just some of the organisations to already have registered for the domain.
The .scot address is being launched after not-for-profit company Dot Scot Registry agreed terms with international regulators to operate the new domain.
It is one of numerous new top-level domains being created this year, including .london and .wales.
A director of Dot Scot Registry, Gavin McCutcheon, described it as a "fantastic day for Scotland’s online community".
He added: "Our international reputation for ingenuity, quality and invention is beyond doubt, but we are often reluctant to exploit that on a global stage.; The .scot domain will enable businesses and organisations from all sectors to identify with that legacy, as well as giving the country a chance to be seen as the forward thinking economy that it is."
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Scotland’s First Minister, Alex Salmond, said: "The time is ripe for the worldwide family of Scots to have their own domain, reflecting an online community defined by a shared commitment to Scottish identity, culture and economic promotion."
Deputy First Minister Nicola Sturgeon added: "It’s entirely right that Scotland should have its own distinctive and recognisable Internet domain – in particular, one that will resonate internationally, helping to promote Scottish business and culture throughout the world.
"I’m confident that the .scot domain name will prove to be a real asset to the people of Scotland and to the worldwide family of Scots.
"I’m looking forward to the Scottish Government being able to make use of this new domain and to having www.gov.scot up and running before the end of the year, as well as our pioneer domains including www.welcome.scot, which go live today."
For the next 60 days, only launch pioneers will be allowed to use the .scot domain. Others, however, are being invited to register interest via https://nic.scot. After 23 September, the domain will be open to all.
