Scotland's happiest places to live revealed as ‘Highland gateway' takes top spot
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
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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.
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Inside is colourful decor and rooms to suit every kind of break GO SEA IT The quirky Brighton hotel that's the perfect base to explore the seaside city Click to share on X/Twitter (Opens in new window) Click to share on Facebook (Opens in new window) THE Leonardo Hotel Brighton is the perfect base for anyone exploring the seaside city whether it's a family break, couples retreat or solo daytrip. Read on to find out more about the hotel and surrounding seaside city. Sign up for Scottish Sun newsletter Sign up 5 The Leonardo Hotel Brighton is right behind the city train station Credit: Leonardo Hotels 5 The rooms are cosy and practical too Credit: Leonardo Hotels Where is Leonardo Hotel Brighton? This hotel is in the best location for any travellers heading to Brighton by train as it's a two-minute walk from the station. The four-star hotel is right behind the central train station, it's incredibly easy to find and the perfect place to stay while exploring the seaside city. Just a 15-minute walk from the hotel, there are shops aplenty, from classic brands to the vintage market - don't forget to stop at a local cafe for a coffee or an ice cream. If you take a leisurely stroll down the main road, you'll be at the beach in under 30-minutes. There's no parking at the hotel so any visitors by car will have to use the multi-storey or train station car park opposite the hotel. What is the hotel like? The first thing you'll notice in the Leonardo Hotel Brighton is a huge and welcoming reception area that literally says 'nice to see you'. Next to that is plenty of seating that's bright and colourful with glowing neon signs and pretty potted plants. There are games like table football too and even a little photo area too. What is there to do there? The hotel is the perfect vantage point for exploring the city, whether it's straight down to the beach or heading out for a night of clubbing, it's a great place to base yourself. Popular attractions in the city include the pier, Victoria Gardens, Brighton Toy Museum and the i360 observation deck. Beach Club that's like being on the Med 5 The hotel offers a hot and cold buffet breakfast Credit: Leonardo Hotels What is there to eat and drink there? To start the morning off right, guests can grab a full English breakfast, or continental option at the buffet. The Bar & Grill is also open for lunch and dinner too. On offer are lighter options like sandwiches and salads, all the way to curries, pizzas, pies and the seaside stable fish and chips. There's a choice of desserts too, as well as a children's menu and gluten-free options. Either in the restaurant or at the reception bar, choose from a long list of wine, champagne, beer, spirits and soft drinks. What are the rooms like? The hotel has 234 rooms and are perfect for every sort of traveller whether it's a solo daytrip, couples getaway or family break. Rooms range from standard doubles to family and executive king rooms. Each has everything you need like free Wi-Fi, a flatscreen TV with Freeview, tea and coffee facilities and it's kitted out with USB ports. There's a desk area for anyone needing to work or even use as a makeup station and a crisp white bathroom with all the basics you need. Rooms also come with air conditioning and heating too. 5 The quirky decor fits right in with the city of Brighton Credit: Leonardo Hotels Is Leonardo Hotel Brighton family-friendly? Yes, I saw one child taking advantage of the deck chair in the hotel's reception and photo prop area. Family rooms cater for a family of four and have a double bed and sofa bed (suitable for up to 2 adults and 2 children under 12 yrs). Is there access for guests with disabilities? Yes, there are accessible rooms which are suitable for wheelchair users, and those with visual or hearing impairments. These rooms have lowered beds, wide doorways, roll-in showers, grab rails, and remote-controlled doors. Looking to book? Go to:
