PKCU was launched in April 2014 and offers a range of ethical lending and saving services for anyone who lives or works in Perth and Kinross. Based in High Street, Perth, it is a fully regulated financial cooperative which means it is owned and controlled by its members.

The organisation is now looking to move out into communities across Perth and Kinross, to provide financial help and support to as many people as possible.

PKCU staff and volunteers will take over an office at Perth and Kinross Council’s housing offices in Leslie Street, Blairgowrie each Thursday between 10.30am – 12.30pm, when people can drop in to discuss taking out loans or starting up a savings account.

There are also plans to extend the service to Pitlochry, Crieff, and Kinross, and in Letham, Perth when suitable premises can be found and volunteers recruited.

PKCU chair Euan Walker said: “We want to reach as many people as possible and that’s why we are looking to go out into communities around Perth and Kinross to offer our services. I am delighted that we have been able to work with Perth & Kinross Council to open this weekly information and collection service in Blairgowrie. I would encourage Blairgowrie and Rattray people to come along for a chat to find out more about the services we can offer.”

PKCU is an independent organisation which offers financial services to everyone, including people who may not be able to access basic services such as a bank account or personal loan. Since it was set up the Credit Union has made loans to over 200 local people and set up 560 savings accounts for people, all within Perth & Kinross.

Euan added: “Our doors are open to everyone who may need a loan or wants to set up a savings account with us. We’re now getting around one loan application every day, and in the majority of cases those applications are approved.

“If anyone is considering taking out a loan, I would strongly encourage them to compare the rates of interest being offered by the Credit Union to those being offered by payday lending companies and higher-purchase agreements or High Street shops. I would really urge people to think twice before going to a payday lender or buying a washing machine or cooker on HP. Come and speak to us instead - we will do all we can to help.”

As well as arrange of loans and savings accounts, PKCU also offers a Budget Card Account which helps people to manage their weekly personal budget. People who agree to use the budget card scheme see their benefits and wages paid direct to the Credit Union, who then arrange for their bills to be paid. The remainder of their money is loaded onto the card, which is used like a normal debit or bank card.

Mr Swinney said: “Perth and Kinross Credit Union has gone from strength-to-strength since it opened in 2014. It’s fantastic news for local people that it is now planning to offer its services to communities across the area, and I am very happy to be able to open the new Blairgowrie information and collection service.

“PKCU enables local people at every income level to save and access loans, repayable at a much more affordable interest rate than those of payday lenders. Saving in a credit union is an especially positive step to take, as in so doing savers know that they are investing in sustaining our communities and helping to drive improvements in people lives.

“I’m sure the people of Blairgowrie and the surrounding area make good use of this new service.”

@PerthandKinross