COMMUNITIES across Ayrshire are still amongst the most deprived in Scotland, research has revealed.

Figures published this week from the Scottish Index Multiple Deprivation (SIMD) 2020 have revealed the levels of deprivation across the county.

In East Ayrshire, the local share of deprived areas has fallen by two per cent, going from 33 per cent in 2016 to 31 per cent in 2020.

East Ayrshire also ranks seventh in the table, behind North Ayrshire in third and five places ahead of South Ayrshire in 11th.

The research carried out by SMID found deep rooted deprivation existing in areas since 2004, with Irvine, Fullarton in North Ayrshire highlighted amongst Ferguslie Park in Paisley and Greenock.

North Ayrshire is one of the council areas which has saw an increase in the ‘local share’ of deprived areas with a two per cent increase, from 38 per cent to 40 per cent.

The data was collected after SMID split Scotland into 6,976 small areas, called ‘data zones’ with each zone roughly equal populations.

In each data zone researchers examined indicators of deprivation by looking at reports and statistics on income, employment, health, education, access to services, crime and housing.

The data used to help organisations invest in areas most in need. It can also be used by communities to highlight the things that matter to them and identify opportunities to improve the lives of local people.

Scotland’s Chief Statistician, Roger Halliday, said: “I welcome these statistics and the work done to make this complex information more easily accessible.

“I know how widely the Scottish Index of Multiple Deprivation is used as a vital resource for local planning, by third sector organisations bringing together resources needed to do their great work, and by many others.

“However, we must also focus on the strengths and assets of communities if we are to work together to make Scotland a fair and inclusive place to live.”