A new internet domain has been launched today for Scotland with approximately 50 websites to go live with the .scot suffix for web and email.
.Scot is just one of many of the new top domains to be released including: .wales, .london, and .NYC after the Dot Scot Registry agreed terms with the international regulators to clear the way for the new domain address.
The domains will cost around £25 however, the Dot Scot Registry intends to reduce prices. The potential sales figures are very difficult to predict at the moment but more than 30 of the the largest registration services have signed up to sell the new digital industry. The Dot Scot Registry is a non-profit organisation which was founded in 2006 by volunteers, and after costs have been taken out, any revenue will go to projects that target digital issues.
Nicola Sturgeon, deputy first minister commented on the new domain name “”It is 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 am confident that the .scot domain name will prove to be a real asset. It is an another important step towards ensuring that Scotland is recognised as a world-class digital country.”
The ‘launch pioneers’ include the Scottish Government, Scottish Bakers, NHS Scotland and the Scouts in Scotland. They have sole use of the domain name for a period of 60 days when it will then become available to all on the 23rd September.