A stunning town in Perthshire has been named as the best place to live in Scotland in a new ranking by the Sunday Times.
Dunkeld took the top spot for 'Best Place to Live in Scotland' in the annual Sunday Times' Best Places guide for 2023, beating out the likes of major big cities such as Glasgow and Edinburgh.
It was chosen thanks to its picturesque Highland-style scenery and enviable food scene, as well as its excellent transport links and array of local shops.
Located on the bank of the River Tay, Dunkeld is cloaked in beautiful pine forests and boasts a stunning cathedral that serves as the town's focal point.
The judges said: “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.
“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.”
The town was also recognised for its warm sense of community among its residents.
Six other Scots locations were also featured in the ranking, including East Linton in East Lothian, Portobello in Edinburgh, Shawlands in Glasgow and Tighnabruaich in Argyll and Bute.
And coming out on top overall was Wadhurst in East Sussex, which was named as the Best Place to Live in the Sunday Times' guide.
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.”
Best places to live in Scotland
1. Dunkeld, Perthshire
The Sunday Times judges praised Dunkeld for its proximity to nature and pine forests, a top-notch food scene, connections to Edinburgh and Glasgow from nearby Perth, and a thriving village community.
2. East Linton, East Lothian
Thanks both to its impressive environmental credentials and its wide, leafy streets, this attractive, this 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.
3. Portobello, Edinburgh
Edinburgh's seaside suburb has a free-spirited atmosphere that's a refreshing contrast to the stuffier corners of the Scottish capital. 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.
4. Shawlands, Glasgow
There's an unbeatable coffee culture in this creative, multicultural corner of the Southside, and much more besides. There’s a strong network of independent businesses — especially at busy Park Lane market – arty pop-ups, good. sports facilities and rapid rail links to central Glasgow.
5. Newport-on-Tay, Fife
Spectacular sunsets and a grandstand view of the Tay Bridge are the most visible highlights of this buzzing suburb of Dundee. It also has a high street that's as good as it gets, a notably friendly community and fast, regular buses to the city.
6. Orkney
The wonderful wildlife and dramatic landscapes make living in this remote location worthwhile, 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.
7. Tighnabruaich, Argyll and Bute
Once a holiday-home hotspot for wealthy merchants, 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.
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