The study includes a description from the guide’s judges explaining what makes the chosen town or neighbourhood a special place to live and a breakdown of the average cost of houses and rent in that area.
North Berwick in East Lothian has been hailed as the best place to live in Scotland, according to the 2021 guide.
Apart from the Scottish winner, the other locations are not ranked, but listed in alphabetical order.
Helen Davies, The Times and Sunday Times Property Editor, said: “North Berwick is our winner in Scotland because it is one place that really does have it all: heavenly beaches, jaw-dropping views from North Berwick Law, a successful secondary school and a lively high street.
“This guide has never been so important. The pandemic has taught us just how much we rely on our homes, our communities and our surroundings. With working from home now common, it’s no surprise that many of us are reassessing our priorities and thinking hard about where we really want to live.
“Our focus for this year has been community, countryside and convenience. It hasn’t been a year for big cities or small villages. Instead it is small towns that have shone: big enough to have everything you need within walking distance and small enough for everyone to feel connected.”
The Sunday Times Best Places to Live in Britain covers the following nations and regions: North and Northeast England, Midlands, Northern Ireland, Southeast England, Wales, Southwest England, East England, London, Scotland and Northwest England.
Stroud in Gloucestershire was named as the Best Place to Live in the UK.
Here are the top eight places to live in Scotland:
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Sunday Times Best Places to Live guide reveals Scotland's top eight places to live. Photo: supplied
. North Berwick
The judges hailed the coastal town as its winner with its 300 million-year-old volcanic plug that stands brooding over the town, which is about a 40 minute drive from Edinburgh. North Berwick High School is considered one of the best secondaries in the country as shown in The Times Scottish school league table 2020 where it is rated 13th out of 343 schools for pupils achieving five or more highers. The study shows the average house price costs £355,000 and the average rental is about £1,200 pcm. Photo: supplied
5. Dunkeld
Dunkeld in Perth and Kinross with its view over the River Tay and the town’s Escher-esque bridge by Thomas Telford has been chosen as one of Scotland's top places to live. The picture shows nearby Ossian’s Cave at The Hermitage. House prices average £360,000 with rents averaging £1,780 per month. Photo: supplied
6. Isle of Eigg
One of the Small Isles, with the Ardnamurchan peninsula to the south and Skye to the north, the Isle of Eigg has been chosen by judges as one of Scotland's finest locations to live in. It was subject to a community buyout in 1997 and the island now runs on its own electricity. Data for average house prices and rent costs is not available, according to The Times study. Photo: supplied
7. Melrose
Melrose in the Borders has been chosen for the top eight with its “laid-back vibe” and “burgeoning food scene.” The picture shows one of the town's places to eat - Provender, which has recently won awards. House prices in the town average £199,950 and rents generally cost just over £570 per month. Photo: supplied
8. Portobello
At last, but not least, is Portobello in Edinburgh which has been voted as one of Scotland's best eight places to live. Judges said the fresh sea air, a sandy beach, “a friendly community” is what gives it a spot in The Sunday Times study. Average house price in the neighbourhood currently stand at £242,995 with months rents averaging £800. Photo: supplied