Exclusive .scot internet domain name for Scotland has been launched today allowing individuals and business from the country to showcase their Scotland connection.
With the launch of the new domain, people will now be able to choose a .scot web or email address instead of .com or .co.uk domains revealing their connection with Scotland through their website domain.
The new domain joins the list of other “top level” domains including .wales, .london, .berlin and .NYC to be made available this year.
Among the first to register for the .scot domain were the 50 launch pioneers including the Scottish Government, Yes Scotland, Better Together, WWF Scotland, NHS Scotland and Scouts Scotland. The Louisiana Scots and The Clan Wallace are two of the first international organizations to sign up for the new domain.
It was only after not-for-profit company Dot Scot Registry agreed terms with international regulators that the domain launch was made possible.
Deputy First Minister Nicola Sturgeon welcomed the move saying that she was confident the new .scot domain name would prove to be a real asset for Scotland people as well as for the worldwide family of Scots.
She added that the new internet domain will help Scotland build its own distinctive and recognizable internationally identity and will also help in promotion of Scottish business and culture throughout the world.
Director of Dot Scot Registry, Gavin McCutcheon, said that a .scot domain will allow people and organizations to express their Scottish identity online in a new unique way.
Only launch pioneers, who have registered for the domain, will be allowed to use the .scot domain for the next 60 days. However, others can register for the new domain via http://nic.scot.
General availability opens on September 23.
