Report is scathing of rural rich-poor divide

RURAL poverty in east Perthshire has been highlighted in a new report which shows concern over issues including unemployment, fuel poverty and internet access.

A rise in foodbank usage and low-income seasonal work, combined with a lack of services, have all impacted upon lives in Blairgowrie and the Glens.

The study by Newcastle University, Impact Hub Inverness and Scotland’s Rural College found the welfare system is not well adapted to rural life and that much rural work “is not good work”.

Workers on the front line of the welfare system in Blairgowrie claimed they had witnessed a bigger disparity between the rich and poor in the Perthshire town than they had found in London.

To protect identities, the report termed those working in services “gatekeepers” while also utilising focus groups from the area.

One gatekeeper said: “My worst benefit cases, and the level of poverty in Blairgowrie particularly, was really dramatic in comparison to all the other areas I’ve worked in, including London.

“This is the first time I have seen such a dramatic difference between really, really very rich people and people just below zero.”

The study claims that in Blairgowrie and the Glens tourism is “less dominant” than in other areas of Perthshire and fewer people are now employed in the previously buoyant soft fruit, textiles and manufacturing industries.

Due to these factors a growing number of people commute to work out of the area. Lack of broadband and internet access was also seen as a continuing problem.

A gatekeeper said: “Digital exclusion is an issue far and wide again.

“Only 50% of our clients have email. That’s before you take into account issues with broadband and connectivity but actually just having access to those devices is a large problem.”

In Perth and Kinross, 24% of homes don’t have superfast broadband, compared to the Scottish average of 13%.