Broadband funding welcomed in rural areas

New funding to deliver high speed broadband to rural communities has been welcomed locally. The Coalition Government has said this week that 300 million pounds is to be invested by the end of this Parliament. Mid Scotland and Fife MSP Liz Smith has welcomed the news, and remarked on its importance to people in Perthshire. Three million households in the UK do not have decent broadband currently - figues that Ms Smith believes would not shock residents in Highland Perthshire, who experience the problems first hand.

Pitlochry plans not wanted

Plans for town centre regeneration in Pitlochry have met with resistance from the residents. An online poll filled out by 200 participants gave a resoundingly negative response to proposals that would see a 52 bedroom hotel built along with 18 flats and retail space. Given an opportunity to put their ideas forward, poll respondents said they'd prefer to see a new town square built.

Care home residents could be hit by CGT

Concerns have been raised by the Chairman of a local Care group, on proposed increases to the Capital Gains Tax. Tony Banks, Chairman of the Balhousie Care Group is worried that families with relatives in care homes could be unintended victims. A family home would be designated as a second property, with the care facility as a primary residence, which would hit hard when selling property. Mr Banks believes it would be grotesquely unfair of the government.