The Sunday Times names Linlithgow as best place to live in Scotland

Linlithgow in West Lothian has been named the best place to live in Scotland by The Sunday Times in its annual Best Places to Live guide.

The historic town was praised for its strong community spirit, good schools and convenient location for commuters travelling to both Edinburgh and Glasgow.

Judges described Linlithgow as a family-friendly town offering “clean air and a village mentality”, highlighting its medieval high street, access to outdoor spaces and a wide range of community activities.

Residents benefit from more than 180 shared interest groups, alongside local attractions including a community-owned ski slope, theatre productions and jazz concerts.

Events such as the annual cardboard boat race on the Union Canal were also noted as key parts of local life.

Seven other Scottish locations were included in the guide: Aberfeldy in Perthshire, Braemar in Aberdeenshire, Dollar in Clackmannanshire, East Linton in East Lothian, Newhaven in Edinburgh, Scotstoun in Glasgow and Melrose in the Borders.

Across the UK, 72 places were selected, with Norwich in East Anglia named the overall best place to live.

Helen Davies, editorial projects director and Best Places to Live editor at The Sunday Times, said the guide showcases “thriving locations with a strong sense of community”.

She added: “It is full of places that show that our village, town and city centres can still be full of life, as well as places bursting with natural beauty, culture, connectivity and most importantly a sense of community.”

Judges visited each location and assessed a range of factors including schools, transport links, broadband and mobile coverage, access to green space and the condition of the high street.

The guide will be published online on Friday, with a shortened version appearing as a magazine supplement in this weekend’s Sunday Times.