North Berwick has been named the best place to live The Sunday Times annual Best Places to Live guide.
The seaside town in East Lothian, Scotland, has topped a list of 72 locations across Britain chosen by the publication to represent the best of Britain.
North Berwick is the first Scottish winner in the 12-year history of Best Places to Live, which is sponsored by the mortgage lender Halifax.
It was picked for its high street, a “great” school, outdoors and family-friendly houses.
The judges were also impressed by its connections to Edinburgh, how life revolves around the town’s two beaches as well as the wealth of activities whatever your age.
They also highlighted the thriving independent shops as a sign of the positive effect small businesses can have on a community.
The judges visited all the locations on the list, considering schools, transport, broadband speeds, culture, access to green spaces and the health of the high street.
Previous winners of the title are Stamford in Lincolnshire, Skipton in North Yorkshire, Newnham in Cambridge, Winchester, Bristol, York, Salisbury, Altrincham, Stroud, Ilkley, West Yorkshire and Wadhurst, East Sussex.
Helen Davies, Best Places to Live editor, said: “This guide is a celebration of towns, cities and villages that are each a fantastic place to live in 2024, from Dunkeld to Knutsford, Falmouth to Leeds.
“Wherever you are on the property ladder, there will be somewhere to suit you.”
Half an hour’s train ride from Edinburgh, North Berwick has striking views across the Firth of Forth and Bass Rock. Nearby attractions include Tantallon Castle and Dirleton Castle.
The town itself boasts fish and chip shops, ice cream parlours, tearooms, coffee shops and independent retailers.
Highlights of the local calendar include North Berwick Highland Games, Fringe by the Sea and Puffin Fest, a celebration of the birds’ return to nearby islands.
North Berwick became a fashionable seaside destination in the 19th century thanks to East Bay and West Bay, its two beaches.
Holidaymakers are still drawn to the town, with Scottish Seabird Centre, boat trips to Bass Rock and golf courses among its attractions.
