Scotland's happiest places to live revealed as ‘Highland gateway' takes top spot

Scottish Sun

21-05-2025

Scroll below to find out if you live in Scotland's happiest place
ON CLOUD NINE Scotland's happiest places to live revealed as 'Highland gateway' takes top spot
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SCOTLAND'S happiest hotspots have been unveiled in a fresh study – with two places making the UK's list of most contented areas.
The Guardian compiled the rankings using data from the University of Liverpool, considering factors such as access to green spaces, proximity to healthcare services, air quality, broadband speeds, public transport links, and crime levels.
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English border town Berwick-on-Tweed topped the list of UK spots
Credit: Alamy
Cultural and community amenities, including cinemas, theatres, museums, libraries, and pubs, were also given additional weight.
Introducing the list, money editor Hilary Osborne acknowledged: 'Not everyone will agree with our choices, and we can't guarantee happiness to everyone living in these locations.
"However, one of them might be your happy place.'
PERTH
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Perth is considered one of the happiest places to live in the UK
Credit: Getty
Perth has earned its spot as one of Scotland's happiest places, proudly known as "the gateway to the Highlands."
The paper described the Tayside gem as a city that "keeps its cards close to its chest" compared to Scotland's more famous hotspots.
But with "hippest villages" and top-notch "food destinations," Perthshire has plenty to charm both locals and visitors alike.
Dubbed a cultural powerhouse for its size, Perth boasts an impressive art gallery, a theatre, a concert hall, and a stunning art deco cinema – all for a population of just 47,000.
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Perth has been dubbed a cultural powerhouse with an impressive Art Gallery and Museum
Credit: Alamy
Its annual arts festival adds to the buzz, while June's Potfest, the UK's biggest ceramics festival, and August's Perthshire Pride keep the city's events calendar packed.
Perfectly placed, Perth offers easy access to Edinburgh in 90 minutes, Glasgow in under an hour, and breathtaking train journeys north through the Cairngorms to Aviemore and Inverness.
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Perth is considered the "gateway to the Highlands" with easy access to the mountains
Credit: Alamy
HADDINGTON
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The market town with Haddington is considered one of the happiest places in the UK
Credit: Alamy Live News
Just a half-hour from Edinburgh, the commuter town of Haddington also earned a spot on the list of happiest places.
We live in Scottish town labelled one of the most boring in Britain
Described as a "small, friendly" town, it's praised for its strong community spirit and plentiful amenities.
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Amisfield Walled Garden is one of the attractions in Haddington
Credit: Alamy
The listing highlighted Haddington's rich history, noting: "Since being classified a burgh by King David I in the 12th century, Haddington has grown into a thriving market town, with a jumble of historic buildings and properties from different periods.
"Today's town centre still revolves around the slim isosceles triangle of Market Street, High Street and Hardgate – its historic heart for centuries."
This East Lothian gem is packed with independent shops, from clothing boutiques and a bookshop to a wellness emporium, as well as a deli, cheese shop, and a lively monthly farmers' market.
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There is plentiful green space to enjoy in the East Lothian town
Credit: Alamy
The Guardian also revealed the top three happiest places to live in the UK, with the border town Berwick-upon-Tweed taking the top spot.
Famous for its turbulent history, Berwick switched between England and Scotland at least 13 times before finally settling as England's most northerly town in 1482.
Second place went to the Worcestershire town of Evesham, while the north Wales gem Caernarfon claimed third on the list.