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Scotsman
6 hours ago
- Business
- Scotsman
The 9 places in Scotland where houses prices are rising fastest
But property prices have increased much faster in certain parts of Scotland than others - in some cases by more than 10 per cent in the last year. New data from the Office for National Statistics shows how house prices have changed in different areas of Scotland between March 2024 and March 2025, the latest date for which figures are available. Two of Scotland's more remote regions, the Orkney Islands and the Shetland Islands, are among the areas where house prices have risen fastest. Jacqui Smith, property officer at the Shetland-based Anderson & Goodlad estate agents, said: 'Since Covid, I think a lot of people want the rural lifestyle. 'When the pandemic happened, many people down south found they were stuck in tiny square boxes and weren't able to get out and enjoy the natural environment in the same way you can here. 'Some people just want the slower pace of life and they like the fact it's very community-orientated here. 'We're finding a lot of retired folk want to move up here, and they can afford to go above and beyond the valuation. 'There's some detriment to first-time buyers, and it can be harder for locals to get on the property ladder.' Ms Smith added that the Shetland Islands appeal to a wide range of homebuyers, including families, and not just people who are retired. 'The school facilities are better here than on the mainland and there are more opportunities in respect of what they can offer,' she said. 'That stems from the 70s and 80s when the oil boom happened and they got the infrastructure in for families.' Below are the nine areas of Scotland with the biggest house price rises between March 2024 and March 2025, listed in reverse order. Do you have a house hunting story or tips to share? You can now send your stories to us online via YourWorld It's free to use and, once checked, your story will appear on our website and, space allowing, in our newspapers. 1 . North Lanarkshire - up 7.6% The average house price in North Lanarkshire was £149,000 in March 2025, according to the latest Office for National Statistics data, up by 7.6 per cent from March 2024. That was the ninth highest annual percentage increase in Scotland. | North Lanarkshire Council Photo: North Lanarkshire Council Photo Sales 2 . Moray - up 7.7% The average house price in Moray was £200,000 in March 2025, according to the latest Office for National Statistics data, up by 7.7 per cent from March 2024. That was the eighth highest annual percentage increase in Scotland. | RDImages/Epics/Getty Images Photo: RDImages/Epics/Getty Images Photo Sales 3 . South Lanarkshire - up 8.6% The average house price in South Lanarkshire was £174,000 in March 2025, according to the latest Office for National Statistics data, up by 8.6 per cent from March 2024. That was the seventh highest annual percentage increase in Scotland. | Google Photo: Google Photo Sales 4 . Stirling - up 8.8% The average house price in Stirling was £233,000 in March 2025, according to the latest Office for National Statistics data, up by 8.8 per cent from March 2024. That was the sixth highest annual percentage increase in Scotland. | ANDY BUCHANAN/AFP via Getty Images Photo: ANDY BUCHANAN/AFP via Getty Images Photo Sales


Scotsman
6 hours ago
- Business
- Scotsman
The 9 places in Scotland where houses prices are rising fastest
But property prices have increased much faster in certain parts of Scotland than others - in some cases by more than 10 per cent in the last year. New data from the Office for National Statistics shows how house prices have changed in different areas of Scotland between March 2024 and March 2025, the latest date for which figures are available. Two of Scotland's more remote regions, the Orkney Islands and the Shetland Islands, are among the areas where house prices have risen fastest. Jacqui Smith, property officer at the Shetland-based Anderson & Goodlad estate agents, said: 'Since Covid, I think a lot of people want the rural lifestyle. 'When the pandemic happened, many people down south found they were stuck in tiny square boxes and weren't able to get out and enjoy the natural environment in the same way you can here. 'Some people just want the slower pace of life and they like the fact it's very community-orientated here. 'We're finding a lot of retired folk want to move up here, and they can afford to go above and beyond the valuation. 'There's some detriment to first-time buyers, and it can be harder for locals to get on the property ladder.' Ms Smith added that the Shetland Islands appeal to a wide range of homebuyers, including families, and not just people who are retired. 'The school facilities are better here than on the mainland and there are more opportunities in respect of what they can offer,' she said. 'That stems from the 70s and 80s when the oil boom happened and they got the infrastructure in for families.' Below are the nine areas of Scotland with the biggest house price rises between March 2024 and March 2025, listed in reverse order. Do you have a house hunting story or tips to share? You can now send your stories to us online via YourWorld It's free to use and, once checked, your story will appear on our website and, space allowing, in our newspapers. 1 . North Lanarkshire - up 7.6% The average house price in North Lanarkshire was £149,000 in March 2025, according to the latest Office for National Statistics data, up by 7.6 per cent from March 2024. That was the ninth highest annual percentage increase in Scotland. | North Lanarkshire Council Photo: North Lanarkshire Council Photo Sales 2 . Moray - up 7.7% The average house price in Moray was £200,000 in March 2025, according to the latest Office for National Statistics data, up by 7.7 per cent from March 2024. That was the eighth highest annual percentage increase in Scotland. | RDImages/Epics/Getty Images Photo: RDImages/Epics/Getty Images Photo Sales 3 . South Lanarkshire - up 8.6% The average house price in South Lanarkshire was £174,000 in March 2025, according to the latest Office for National Statistics data, up by 8.6 per cent from March 2024. That was the seventh highest annual percentage increase in Scotland. | Google Photo: Google Photo Sales 4 . Stirling - up 8.8% The average house price in Stirling was £233,000 in March 2025, according to the latest Office for National Statistics data, up by 8.8 per cent from March 2024. That was the sixth highest annual percentage increase in Scotland. | ANDY BUCHANAN/AFP via Getty Images Photo: ANDY BUCHANAN/AFP via Getty Images Photo Sales


Daily Record
9 hours ago
- General
- Daily Record
Tree planted at Drumpellier Country Park in memory of beloved member of Coatbridge community
Former teacher Jim McCormack supported hundreds of young people to achieve their Duke of Edinburgh award. A tree has been planted at Drumpellier Country Park in memory of a beloved member of the Coatbridge community. Jim McCormack supported hundreds of young people to achieve their Duke of Edinburgh award. A popular former geography teacher at St Ambrose and Chryston high schools, Jim was also a Duke of Edinburgh supervisor and assessor with North Lanarkshire Council's Community Learning and Development service. He worked with local groups and additional support needs schools, teaching navigation and campcraft skills to help young people complete their expeditions as part of the award. Jim also helped develop outdoor learning and expeditions for pupils across North Lanarkshire, and was a member of St Andrew's Orienteering Club. North Lanarkshire Provost Kenneth Duffy joined Jim's family, friends, colleagues and Father Michael Kane from St Augustine's in Coatbridge to plant the memorial tree. Provost Duffy said: 'This is a fitting tribute to Jim who loved nature and the outdoors and was passionate about helping young people to explore and appreciate our environment.' Jim was a keen champion of the Duke of Edinburgh award, which is a prestigious youth achievement program designed to challenge young people aged 14-24 to develop personal skills, achieve their potential, and make a positive impact on their communities. It involves completing a series of activities in four areas: volunteering, skills, physical recreation and expedition, with a residential section for Gold-level participants.


Glasgow Times
3 days ago
- Entertainment
- Glasgow Times
Milkshake! Live On Holiday returning to Airdrie this summer
Milkshake! Live On Holiday will be performed at Airdrie Town Hall on Saturday, July 19 at 12pm and 3pm. The show is set to feature iconic characters such as Smurfette, Dora, Pip and Posy, Blue from Blue's Clues & You!, Milo, and Milkshake! Monkey. Read more: Major American pop star coming to OVO Hydro in Glasgow A Milkshake! presenter will lead children along the musical journey full of singing, dancing, and interactive experiences. Tickets cost £17.50 with concessions available for £16.50, and a family ticket for four at £64. A spokesperson said: "Don't miss this opportunity to experience the magic of Milkshake! Live On Holiday. "Book your tickets today and get ready for an unforgettable family outing!" For more information and to book tickets, call the box office team on 01698 274545 or visit the North Lanarkshire Council culture website.


Daily Record
4 days ago
- Entertainment
- Daily Record
Stunning mural created by Ukrainian refugees has taken pride of place in Wishaw
The incredible work of art is all down to the hard work of the Ukrainians who now call Wishaw home. A stunning mural created by Ukrainian refugees has taken pride of place in Wishaw as a thank you for the warm welcome received. The incredible work of art is all down to the hard work of the Ukrainians who now call Wishaw home. The new mural is in the tunnel between Pather and Gowkthrapple with the dingy tunnel given a new lease of life thanks to a fresh coat of paint and stunning art work. Of those involved, Anna Sydorchuk, posted on social media: 'A mural was born in Wishaw, whispering that true friendship knows no borders. Download the Lanarkshire Live app today 'The unicorn — the proud guardian of Scottish landscapes — and the dove — the gentle messenger of peace flying from the heart of Ukraine — now come together to create a symbol of strength and hope. 'This mural is a gift from Ukrainian artists carrying stories of loss and faith in the future. 'It is like a bridge connecting two worlds and reminding us that even far from home, warmth and understanding can be found. 'Here, on this wall, a new tale unfolds — about humanity, support, and the endless power of art.' Katya Tsyvunova added: 'As they say in Ukraine-not a place decorating a man, and a man place! 'That's the dirty, messy and very sad tunnel that met me in Wishaw! It was very depressing. I immediately wanted to repaint this. 'I started talking about this with our councillors a year ago. And they heard us! Allocated us a grant for this art project! First prepared it for our work, repainted in white. This was so much better already! 'Long negotiations with management, time to settle work permits, agree on sketches, budget planning, and engaging artists for work. 'And the main idea was to unite the Ukrainian and Scottish community! Express your gratitude for the support and help of the locals who welcome us here. 'We've been pulling it off. During the three hours days of work on the painting of the tunnel we were welcomed and supported local residents with words of gratitude and excitement. Cars stopped, honked and shouted words of admiration and gratitude! 'This tunnel has become the color of this city. Now they come here on purpose to take pictures and walk, and sometimes go around the side. 'That's why this saying really works! 'It's not the place that embellishes a man, but a man embellishes a place. Thank you for the support and help of my creative and hardworking people who helped bring to life such a beautiful idea.' In April, councillors from all parties backed a motion underlining local support for refugees who were displaced following Russia's invasion of the country back in 2022. The unopposed motion was presented to a meeting of North Lanarkshire Council by Central Wishaw SNP councillor Fiona Fotheringham. She spoke of her work as a member of the resettlement working group, alongside council officers and partners from various organisations including the NHS, police and fire service. Councillor Fotheringham said: 'I witnessed first hand the resilience and spirit of these children and their families in a strange place with a different language. 'The progress they have made integrating and becoming an active part of the community has been fabulous to watch.' She added they 'were now speaking fluently with a Scottish twang'. Councillor Fotheringham also praised the council's Ukrainian Resettlement Team, which was recently awarded the title of Housing Team of the Year. The team renovated empty properties scheduled for demolition into homes for some 200 displaced families, as well as helping those families settle and integrate into the community. The full motion read: 'This council reaffirms its unwavering support for the people of Ukraine as they continue to defend their sovereignty, freedom, and democracy in the face of ongoing aggression. 'On the anniversary of the full-scale invasion, we stand in solidarity with Ukrainians-both those who remain in their homeland and those who have sought refuge in North Lanarkshire. 'We recognise the immense courage and resilience of those affected by the war and acknowledge the vital contributions of Ukrainian families within our communities.' In 2023, families from Ukraine began moving into repurposed tower blocks in Coatbridge and Wishaw. A total of 128 flats at High Coats in Coatbridge town centre and a further 59 at Birkshaw Tower in Gowkthrapple were refurbished and made available to families who have fled to escape the war in their home country. North Lanarkshire Provost Kenneth Duffy said: 'This is a fantastic initiative that highlights the power of community and collaboration. I want to commend the volunteers and North Lanarkshire Council for their dedication and creativity in transforming the tunnel at Caledonian Road into a vibrant mural space. 'It has not only brightened the area but also fosters a sense of unity and pride within our diverse Ukrainian community. Well done to everyone involved for making a positive and lasting impact!' *Don't miss the latest headlines from around Lanarkshire. Sign up to our newsletters here. And did you know Lanarkshire Live had its own app? Download yours for free here.