Happiness is a very subjective thing – and what makes one person smile can be very different to another. But whatever the magic ingredient of happiness is, the pretty little Scottish Border town of Galashiels definitely has it.
Once a village that’s expanded into a small town, Galashiels was recently crowned the happiest place to live in Scotland in a Rightmove poll for the second year running.
And what’s perhaps more interesting is that while many of the so-called ‘best places to live’ command hefty property prices – this quaint town was also found to have the cheapest average property asking price on the rundown of just £163,634. One cute flat on the town’s Scott Street is listed for just £40,000.
Rent in Galashiels – an area set in stunning rolling Scottish countryside – was also found to be the cheapest on the index, with an average asking rent of £700 per calendar month.
So what makes people so happy here? The Rightmove survey asked residents how they feel about their area based on 13 happiness factors such as the community spirit, access to green space and a sense of belonging.
The town is known for being home to the world’s largest community arts projects – The Great Tapestry of Scotland – which was created and hand stitched by 1,000 people from across Scotland to tell the story of Scotland’s history, heritage and culture.
Culture vultures can also enjoy Old Gala House – a museum and art gallery – as well as one of the few remaining family-run, multi-screen cinemas in the The Pavilion Cinema.
There is an absolute abundance of glorious countryside too – with cycle and walking routes and two nearby golf courses.
But from what locals say it’s definitely the pull together feeling of community that is making residents of the town, which has a population of around just 10,000, so happy.
Chair of the town’s Community Council Judith Cleghorn told Border Telegraph: “Galashiels is such a lovely place to live.
“There is a good community spirit where people help each other. The town has a lot of history and is surrounded by beautiful countryside. We also have the railway.”
Scottish Borders Council leader Euan Jardine told the same publication: “Seeing Galashiels once again named the happiest town in Scotland is terrific.
“This is a well-deserved accolade for the town, and I am honestly not surprised because everywhere I go, there is always a smile on someone’s face.”
