The Scottish Index of Multiple Deprivation (SIMD) is a tool for identifying the places in Scotland where people are experiencing disadvantage across different aspects of their lives. SIMD gives a ranking for each small area, or data zone, which shows how deprived that area is compared to other areas. Changes in the rank for one area may be due to other areas becoming more or less deprived.

The latest figures show:

• the least deprived area is in Stockbridge, Edinburgh. This represents a change since SIMD 2016, when the least deprived area was in Giffnock
• the most deprived area is in Greenock town centre. This represents a change since SIMD 2016 and 2012, when the most deprived area was identified as Ferguslie Park, Paisley
• the area with the largest local share of deprived areas was Inverclyde, with 45% of data zones among the 20% most deprived areas in Scotland
• Glasgow City has similar deprivation levels at 44%
• other local authorities with relatively high levels of deprivation include North Ayrshire and West Dunbartonshire at 40% and Dundee City at 38%
• Na h-Eileanan an Iar, Shetland and Orkney have no areas among the 20% most deprived in Scotland, however, this does not mean there are no people experiencing deprivation living there
• over half of people on low income do not live in the 20% most deprived areas in Scotland
• levels of deprivation have fallen in Glasgow City, Renfrewshire and City of Edinburgh compared to SIMD 2016. Glasgow City showed the biggest fall, from 48% of data zones in the 20% most deprived areas in Scotland, to 44%
• levels of deprivation have increased in Aberdeen City, North Lanarkshire, Moray, East Lothian, Highland and North Ayrshire. None of these increases are greater than 2 percentage points

In Ferguslie Park, Paisley the fall in levels of deprivation is welcomed and in part attributed to greenspaces, culture and connectivity. The change has been led by communities with support and Greenspaces, Parks and play areas and Villages Investment funding from the council. Community groups and charities that have got significant funding include Pals of the Privies, which has been transforming local green spaces. The team received funding from the council and from children’s charity Wooden Spoon for Glencoats Park play area. And funding was also awarded to the charity to support a Halloween event and Christmas trail in an underused green space. The Darkwood Crew are working on improving pathways around the area, with £4,500 funding coming from the council and £4,500 from Paths for All. 

Community organisations will work with Renfrewshire Council on a consultation with local residents to get their creative ideas for a new place plan that will meet their needs. Groups have already been working with local people on what’s needed to change perceptions about Ferguslie and residents have already said they are wholeheartedly proud to live there.

The new place plan will determine how the community wants to:

•use vacant and underused land

•enhance green spaces and

•support various groups to ensure more opportunities are available.