North Berwick has been named the best place in the UK to live in a recent survey by The Sunday Times.
The seaside town in East Lothian came in first place out of 72 locations across the UK, with judges impressed by the combination of its great high street, beaches, local school, and its easy connections to Edinburgh.
It is the first time a Scottish location has come out on top in the 12-year history of Best Places to Live. Seven other areas in Scotland were selected in the annual guide, including the West End of Dundee, which was selected as an area winner, Falkland, East Linton and Leith.
Helen Davies, editorial projects director and Best Places to Live editor, said: “This guide is a celebration of towns, cities and villages that are each a fantastic place to live in 2024, from Dunkeld to Knutsford, Falmouth to Leeds. Wherever you are on the property ladder, there will be somewhere to suit you.
“These are all places where you can feel grounded as well as upwardly mobile: they have a mature sense of community, lively, supportive high streets and an eye to the future, whether that is eco-friendly measures, transport and regeneration, or imaginative inclusion of new housing.”
The Sunday Times’s expert judges visited all the locations and assessed factors from schools to transport, broadband speeds to culture, as well as access to green spaces and the health of the high street - and this year there were more new entries than ever before.
Ms Davies added: “What makes our guide unique is that we actually visit all the places we choose and talk to locals to find out what life is really like there. That means we can see what people really love about the places they live. That might be fast commutes and high-achieving schools but also clean water to swim in, lively town centres with useful shops, the possibility of earning a living and being part of a friendly community. “
The guide was sponsored by the mortgage lender Halifax, which provided an average house price for each location. Kim Kinnaird, Halifax’s homes and protection director said: “We know it can be daunting whether it’s deciding where to buy your first home or making a move as your circumstances change. With a great range of locations suited for different budgets and family situations, alongside a great mix of both rural and urban locations, this is a great place to start.”
1. North Berwick, East Lothian
North Berwick was voted the overall winner to become the first Scottish winner in the 12-year history of Best Places to Live. Selected for its combination of a great high street, school, and great outdoors, the judges were also impressed by its easy connections to Edinburgh and the way life revolves around the town’s two beaches. Judges also highlighted the town’s thriving high street and its many independent shops as a sign of the positive effect that small businesses can have on a community. Photo: Mike McBey, flickr
2. Dundee West End
The judging panel found the West End of Dundee to be a buzzy conservation that is arty and affordable. Once the preserve of students, now it’s popular with house-hunters impressed by the sense of community and a great little high street. Photo: Matt Buck, flickr
3. Dunkeld, Perthshire
Tucked between velvety mountains, the glittering River Tay and Douglas fir forests, Dunkeld is Scotland on a postcard. But it’s not just a pretty face: there’s creative gold in them hills. A band of potters, entrepreneurs and chefs are carving out an aesthetic for Dunkeld that screams cool Caledonia. You’ll find kimchi cheddar toasties in the bakery, minimalist pottery for sale in the village shop and a riverside sauna and plunge pool where you can get your Wim Hof on. Photo: dun_deagh flickr
4. Falkland, Fife
Outlander may have put Falkland on the global map but this former royal burgh has bewitched for centuries with its narrow wynds, pretty stone cottages and atmospheric main street. Living here can feel like taking a step back in time - until you notice the coffee shops, the pioneering organic farm and the many events and activities at the community hall. Photo: nick macneill Wikimedia commons