The happiest city in Scotland has been named, and it’s not a place that many people would necessarily associate with happiness – but it beat the likes of Edinburgh and Glasgow
A Scottish city has taken the top spot as the country’s “happiest place to live”, and it may come as a surprise. Perth, aptly nicknamed The Fair City, has outshone more prominent destinations like Edinburgh and Glasgow.
The Guardian recently compiled a list of the “happiest places to live in Britain”, considering various factors such as access to green spaces, average driving times to healthcare services, air quality, broadband speeds and cultural offerings. Perth, situated in the heart of Scotland, boasts a unique location on the banks of the River Tay and is home to around 40,000 residents.
The Guardian highlighted Perthshire’s diverse landscapes, featuring waterfalls, canyons, and picturesque lochs like Loch Tay and Loch Rannoch.
Perth’s position “at the gateway to the Highlands” offers easy access to an array of rural countryside walks, as well as ample green spaces within the city itself.
The city is flanked by two scenic riverside parks: the 57-hectare North Inch, a popular golfing spot, and the 31-hectare South Inch, which hosts events like funfairs, circuses, and other shows.
Perth’s winning combination of natural beauty, accessibility, and amenities has earned it the title of Scotland’s happiest place to live. The must-see sites in Perth, as recommended by connoisseurs, include the Perth Museum and the excitement-packed Perth Leisure Pool, reports the Daily Record.
The museum has recently become the proud home of the historic Stone of Destiny artefact, and the leisure pool is all the rage with its variety of thrilling flumes.
Despite The Guardian’s observation that the city is “struggling to recover post Covid”, it applauded the array of independent businesses peppering the city centre. Highlighted establishments include coffee connoisseur haven The Bean Shop and vinyl treasure trove Concorde Music record shop.
When it comes to dining out, The Guardian gave a shout-out to Hinterland, Cafe Tabou, and North Port. Patrons can savour breakfast and lunches at indie coffee spot Hinterland, experience modern French flare at brasserie Cafe Tabou, or indulge in Scottish fare centred around fresh ingredients at North Port.
In addition, Perth won plaudits for its accessible transport links. Railway journeys to Edinburgh and Glasgow take roughly 90 minutes and one hour respectively, while Aviemore and Inverness are also conveniently within travel distance.
Property prices were another focal point, with experts surveying average values across Perth. Reportedly in The Guardian, homes in the sought-after Craigie area come with a price tag of about £280,000, whereas three-bedroom flats overlooking South Inch park have an average costing upwards of £240,000.
Perth’s strategic position as the gateway to the Highlands has long been cherished as prime property territory, tracing back settlements to prehistoric times, noted The Guardian: “Perth’s appealing position at the gateway to the Highlands has long been recognised as a prime real estate spot, with historians tracing settlements as far back as the prehistoric period.
“A rich bounty of archaeological finds from the region’s past are displayed at the light and airy Perth Museum, which reopened after refurbishment last year, complete with swish cafe.
“This city of only around 47,000 people punches above its weight as a cultural hub, with a small but mighty art gallery, a theatre, a concert hall and an art deco cinema, not forgetting its annual arts festival. June sees Potfest, the UK’s biggest ceramics festival, hit the city, while August heralds Perthshire Pride.”
Elsewhere, Berwick-upon-Tweed has been crowned the overall happiest place to live in the UK.
This northernmost town in England, whose football team competes in the Scottish leagues, has been lauded for its compelling history, bustling weekly markets and abundant green spaces.