Former hotel site hub idea welcome
At the last Scottish Parliament elections in 2016 the SNP put forward a headline-grabbing pledge to deliver 100 per cent superfast broadband coverage by the end of this parliament.
With the 2021 deadline ever closer the absence of quality, consistent connectivity is seriously lacking, and individuals, communities and businesses are missing out on online access.
At a recent parliamentary committee, the minister responsible for connectivity, Paul Wheelhouse, suggested the target was going to be dropped, admitting it was “extremely challenging”.
Key to the challenge is no doubt the delay in contracts being awarded – they were due to be awarded by the end of last year but the process remains incomplete.
While election pledges like these secure headlines, the failure to deliver has continuing consequences, particularly for rural communities.
Digital advances are changing lives and the way our communities work but such change is not without challenge.
Without reliable digital connectivity people cannot take advantage of online streaming, shopping and other services.
As high street banks continue to close and customers are pushed to using digital services, the importance of reliable and accessible digital connectivity only increases.
The shift to digital has to be matched with not just pledges on connecting communities but action to deliver.
The loss of services from the high street also poses further risks to footfall, and as people turn to online shopping and banking, the question of what brings people to connect in their communities has to be asked.
Across Scotland there are some great examples of community hubs emerging, drawing residents to shared spaces where people can take part in social events and access local services.
These new models of connectivity allow buildings which may otherwise lay empty to be used for a range of purposes.
The recent news that the derelict Drummond Arms hotel in Crieff had been acquired by the Crieff Community Trust is to be welcomed, with the creation of Drummond Arms Regeneration Limited another positive step towards the revitalising of the building.
Market research among those in the local area indicated the state of the hotel was a priority and it is great to see progress finally being made to address this.
Many have expressed hope it could be turned into a community hub with a cinema, music, arts and drama facilities, but they will have been disappointed to read recent reports suggesting proposals for luxury flats were progressing.
With a considerable amount of public money going to the project, there should be some responsibility to deliver a facility which benefits the whole community.
A hub which connects locals and encourages people to come into the town would surely be a welcome turnaround for a building which for too long has been a blight on the community.