Strong language was used this week to condemn a web company for bulk-buying the rights to the 'co.uk' versions of thousands of place names across the UK.

The company appears to have swept Scotland up in a frenzy of buying provoking uproar among politicians and commentators north of the border.

Opening itself up to widespread vitriol Webhound Ltd, which is based in England, is offering some of the place names for sale for £500. Members of the Scottish Parliament from all parties have slated the firm for its venture and many have called for regulatory intervention.

Local journalists hoping to set up town and village sites have lost the chance to use the 'co.uk' place name versions without paying Webhound for the rights. MSPs have called on communities planning sites not to part with cash. Thousands of place names across England have also been 'bought.'

Webhound's motives can be gleaned from its own site. In a 'Frequently asked Questions' section it states: 'We plan to develop all domain names ourselves and design web-sites on which local businesses and organisations might wish to advertise.'

The venture appears more extraordinary at every turn however. Dot.Journalism has found that Webhound has in fact registered tiny hamlets with fewer than three houses and some with no permanent residents at all.

In response Webhound says the names 'came off a large database and we simply could not test each and every one for population and desirability'.

The company claims it does not want to sell many domain names as it hopes its revenues will come from advertising. Perhaps adding insult to injury, the company's owner - Angie Barrow - claims the company's mission is to give every village in the UK a voice on the internet.

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