Stunning village named THE best place to live in Scotland
A SMALL Perthshire village has been named as the best place to live in Scotland.
Gorgeous Dunkeld came out top in the annual Sunday Times Best Places to Live guide.
The newspaper praised the village, home to just 1,300 people, for its proximity to nature and pine forests, top-notch food scene, connections to Edinburgh and Glasgow from nearby Perth, and thriving community.
They also claimed it was home to ‘possibly the hippest general store in Scotland’.
The judges said of Dunkeld: “A winning combination of stunning Highland scenery and chic Scandi-style sophistication are what you get in Dunkeld.
“Top shops include Aran Bakery and Lon – ‘possibly the hippest general store in Scotland’ - both run by ex-Great British Bake-off contestant Flora Shedden.
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“You can get close to nature with countless walks, with the mighty Hermitage Forest a highlight, while community spirit comes to the fore at the Field, an inspiring community organic veg garden.”
It's located in an area known as Big Tree Country, and is home to the Birnam Oak, believed to be the only remaining tree from the Birnam Wood named in Shakespeare's Macbeth.
Six other Scotland locations featured in the guide, published by The Sunday Times, of 72 of the best places to live across the UK.
East Linton in East Lothian was rated highly thanks both to its impressive environmental credentials and its wide, leafy streets.
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The judges said: “This attractive, affluent commuter spot fully deserves its reputation as Scotland’s greenest town.
“An impressive roster of shops includes a brilliant bookshop, butcher and the Bostock Bakery, and a new station, due to open later this year, will make getting to Edinburgh even easier.”
Portobello, Edinburgh’s seaside suburb, was ranked thanks to its free-spirited atmosphere ‘that’s a refreshing contrast to the stuffier corners of the Scottish capital’
The Sunday Times said: “With interesting shops – a bookshop, artisan baker and a branch of Bross Bagels – it’s no wonder that it is now the location of choice for artists, authors, foodies and cool young families.”
Glasgow’s Shawlands was described as a creative, multicultural corner of the Southside, and much more besides.
The judges said its ‘unbeatable coffee culture and strong network of independent businesses — especially at busy Park Lane market – arty pop-ups, good sports facilities and rapid rail links to central Glasgow made it a great place to stay.
Newport-on-Tay in Fife’s spectacular sunsets and grandstand view of the Tay Bridge were rated the Dundee suburb's highlights.
The Sunday Times report states: “It also has a high street that’s as good as it gets, a notably friendly community and fast, regular buses to the city.”
Orkney’s wonderful wildlife and dramatic landscapes make living in this remote location worthwhile, according to the list.
The judges added: “But this collection of 70 islands is also notable for a lively population that displays an impressive entrepreneurial spirit and supports local businesses with gusto.”
Picturesque Tighnabruaich in Argyll was noted for once being a holiday-home hotspot for wealthy merchants.
But the Sunday Times said: “This tiny village is now worth celebrating for its outstanding natural beauty, but also for its thriving independent businesses and a busy community keen to get involved in activities from veg-growing, drama and art to sailing and shinty.”
Wadhurst in East Sussex was named the overall UK winner of Best Places to Live. It was praised for its “good schools, convenient transport connections, an amazingly well-stocked high street and stunning scenery”.
The judges said that it offers “pretty much everything needed for modern life in miniature”.
This year’s guide – the 11th and sponsored by Halifax – features more new entries than ever before.
The Sunday Times’ 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.
Helen Davies, the editor of Best Places to Live 2023, said: “When times are tough, where we live matters more than ever. Attractive surroundings, good neighbours and a comfortable home are the best defences when the stresses of modern life seem overwhelming.
“This guide is a celebration of towns, cities and villages that are each a fantastic place to live in 2023 from Orkney to Felixstowe, the Chew Valley to Manchester city centre. Whether you’re downsizing, trading up or getting onto the property ladder, there will be somewhere to suit you.”
Kim Kinnaird, the director of Halifax Mortgages, said: “At Halifax, we know it’s where you live that really makes somewhere feel like ‘home’.
“What people look for when choosing where to live is a very personal choice. We know that the housing market can sometimes feel daunting when there are so many locations and things to consider.
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"But looking at these fantastic locations is a great start, with options for different budgets and family situations, alongside an exciting blend of urban and rural living.”
For more see thetimes.co.uk/bestplacestolive