“Urgent” Help Required For Rural Firms

GrowBiz, a rural enterprise support organisation based in Perthshire, have conducted a survey on the impact COVID-19 is having on rural businesses, the support packages available and the help needed to survive once lockdown measures begin to lift. They found that of the 250 firms surveyed, 60% had halted operation entirely, and only 8% were operating as usual.

GrowBiz have voiced concerns that the COVID-19 outbreak will have a disproportionate impact on Scotland’s rural businesses. With the rate of self-employment twice as high in rural areas compared to urban areas, and challenges such as inconsistent broadband coverage, poor transport links and greater distances to food and health services, these firms and their communities are under intense pressure.

Chief executive Jackie Brierton advised that the spread of COVID-19 presents enormous challenges for small and micro businesses in rural Scotland, and that there is an urgent need for a strategic approach to support rural businesses and the communities which rely heavily on them.

Househunters Seek Escape to Country

Rightmove have reported a dramatic increase in searches for properties north of the central belt and outside of Glasgow and Edinburgh, in comparison to April 2019. Inverness (167%) and Shetland Islands (131%) experienced the most significant increases, with areas such as Ullapool, Orkney, Loch Lomond and Fort William experiencing increased search of between 10% - 30%. Rightmove have seen a 40% drop in web traffic compared to last year, making the rises even more significant. Social distancing measures and the nationwide lockdown have resulted in much activity, including physical viewings, valuations and house moves having been put on hold for now.

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