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Chapter 3: The Case Study Areas
Introduction
The three case study areas were chosen based on a combination of willingness amongst local partners to engage in such a research process, and on an analysis of socio-economic and demographic characteristics. The case-study areas were selected to provide a diverse and detailed picture of the possible differing experiences within Scotland resulting from the buying and selling of heroin. Accordingly, the names of all three have been replaced by pseudonyms.
Hailton
Hailton is a defined area located on the periphery of a large city in Scotland's central belt, and houses a population of about 7,000.
Socio-economic characteristics
The loss of predominant industries in the area had, in the opinion of community interviewees resulted in a high level of social deprivation. Over half these respondents cited a link between the level of deprivation and their perceptions of high levels of drug use, whilst just over a third of the total number of users (and user/dealers) interviewed considered Hailton to be a 'run-down' or 'poor' area.
For a minority of community members a history of unemployment had generated an environment conducive to the use of illicit drugs, with heroin most commonly cited. Its availability was seen to place a 'pressure' on the community, and to perpetuate a spiral of decline.
Area reputation
Both community and professional respondents were concerned that Hailton was carrying an (undeserved) reputation for drug use, and that this reputation had negative implications for the likelihood of inward investment.
A Hailton police officer told how the area has developed a reputation for drug use and crime, and how, once established, it is difficult to shed, despite the presence of a lot of hard-working people who have never touched drugs.
The role of the media, both locally and nationally was seen by community members to have reinforced the negative reputation the area holds. The majority of these respondents were quick to acknowledge that drugs are available and used in Hailton, but they claim the position is no worse than on other (cited) estates in the city. There was discontent about the media labelling the area a 'haven for drug users' because the local community did not feel that this label was justified (a feeling which was heightened when taking into account their belief that other estates were more deserving of the label).
Two professional respondents believed that the negative reputation of the area due to the availability of heroin was not justified. They felt that although Hailton has had persistent problems with heroin, these are similar (and possibly smaller) than those found to the south of the city.
In Hailton the current and substantive regeneration programme was questioned both by professional and community respondents as to whether it will have any effect. Improvements to the existing housing stock were noted and welcomed, but reservations existed as to how the area would actually improve. Employment opportunities, particularly for young people, were viewed as limited in both number and nature.
Tannochbrae
Tannochbrae is a relatively small town, with a population just over 30 000, situated in farming country. Its perceived affluence may mask areas of comparative deprivation.
Socio-economic characteristics
According to the very small number of community interviewees interviewed, Tannochbrae is considered to be a quiet, picturesque market town. Users, dealers, and professional respondents felt the area had a 'hidden' drugs problem. One respondent felt the presence of drugs was 'invisible':
"An outsider looking in would not see anything wrong".
(Male User)
The majority of users (over two-thirds) felt that drug use and dealing is 'abundant' with dealers (and thus availability) being found across the town. Unemployment and resulting poverty were cited by just over half the users interviewed as major factors in them starting to use drugs.
Area reputation
The availability of drugs was reported to be affecting tourism in Tannochbrae. A number of professional respondents felt this was limiting potential investment. This was a contested view, particularly as to whether the availability of drugs has led to a narrowing of employment opportunities.
Fishton
Fishton is a small coastal town with a dominant fishing industry. It has a population of just over 13,000. It is a community of marked contrasts, with affluence and prosperity alongside areas of genuine deprivation. There are particular problems relating to small pockets of long term unemployment.
Socio-economic characteristics
Community respondents were united in portraying Fishton as a good area in which to live and work, due to the strong sense of community and the presence of the church in the area.
However, the sense of community for some was felt to be diminishing. The availability of drugs, notably heroin and the 'influx' of 'outsiders' looking for employment were stated by a quarter of respondents as reasons for reducing the sense of community as a result of them no longer knowing everyone. These occurrences, though, were not seen to be solely confined to Fishton. For one respondent they were, linked, with locals being unwilling or unable to work due to their drug use.
Unemployment was a contested issue. More than three-quarters of the heroin users interviewed linked their initiation into drug use to difficulties finding work and/or the lack of local diversionary schemes. The importance of fishing, as the main provider of employment was acknowledged by all in the community. Just under two-thirds of community respondents felt that unemployment was low, with the remainder stating the opposite. Two parents, however, expanded on this, feeling that drug use could affect any family, regardless of social circumstance or opportunity, with one suggesting relative affluence and lack of amenities as contributing to the situation of heroin use:
"Fishton's got a fair amount of people living there who are pretty well-off, but there isn't a lot for them to do, so they get involved with drugs (heroin) as anybody else does too. But they can afford to do it, so you're not getting the same sort of dreadful - I mean it feels a slightly different picture. From people I speak to, the family support groups will say well their son - generally sons, will be working away for three weeks so he'll go onto a boat, he'll detox, will do his cold turkey on the boat, then he'll be back and he'll be clean…As soon as he gets home, he can't control it any more. So it's a funny situation".
Area reputation
The majority of community members and parents of drug users interviewed felt that the presence of heroin users (and associated supply) was having an effect on Fishton's reputation. The media were seen as portraying the area as one of high availability for drugs, and whilst over a third of community respondents considered heroin use to affect every part of Fishton, this attention was deemed to be unjust. Both community and professional respondents shared a similar view to those in Hailton; for instance:
"Do you want to go and live in a town that has a bad reputation for drugs and drug abuse, or would you rather go somewhere else? Well, I'd rather go somewhere else. So the town is trying to develop a better image but it has this problem with the drug abuse that it's saddled with".
(Police Crime Reduction Officer)
This reputation was seen to have numerous negative consequences. The reputation, in addition to the high disposable income of young fisherman was felt by community interviewees to have led to a 'honey pot' effect, with dealers attracted to the area, and drug use subsequently increasing. Divisions in the community were also deemed to be widening between drug users and their families and the surrounding community. This was said to have led to the 'entrenchment' of drug use in the area and reduced the effectiveness of appropriate service responses.
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