TOWNS and villages across the country have been named among the best places to live in Scotland for 2024 in a new ranking.

The list, which assessed 161 Scottish locations based on 12 criteria, included locations near Glasgow and spots in the Highlands.

Discussing the places featured on the list, Garrington Property Finders said: "House prices rose across the nation as a whole, with official data from Registers of Scotland showing that in the 12 months to November, the average Scottish home rose in value by £4000 (2.2%).

"But these national averages mask some wide local disparities. The prices paid in several popular areas either fell or flatlined, and as a result some of Scotland’s most desirable places to live have become better value."

See the 20 towns and villages named among the best places to live in Scotland

Here are the 20 towns and villages named among the best places to live in Scotland for 2024, according to Garrington Property Finders.

  1. Kirkintilloch, East Dunbartonshire
  2. Blairgowrie and Rattray, Perthshire
  3. Crieff, Perthshire
  4. Selkirk, Borders
  5. Neilston, East Renfrewshire
  6. Ellon, Aberdeenshire
  7. Milngavie, East Dunbartonshire
  8. Ayr, South Ayrshire
  9. Linlithgow, West Lothian
  10. Cradlehall, Highlands
  11. Clydebank, West Dunbartonshire
  12. Peebles, Borders
  13. Kirkwall, Orkney
  14. Barrhead, East Renfrewshire
  15. Whitburn, West Lothian
  16. Girvan, South Ayrshire
  17. Linwood, Renfrewshire
  18. Paisley, Renfrewshire
  19. Stonehaven, Aberdeenshire
  20. Bishopbriggs, East Dunbartonshire

Ayr Advertiser: Kirkintilloch - the canal capital of Scotland - was named the best place to live in the country.Kirkintilloch - the canal capital of Scotland - was named the best place to live in the country. (Image: Google Maps)

Kirkintilloch named Scotland's best place to live for 2024

Kirkintilloch in East Dunbartonshire was named the best place to live in Scotland, with the country's canal capital being praised for its "perfect blend of country living and easy access to the big city."

Discussing the town, the website said: "Top of this year’s ranking is Kirkintilloch in East Dunbartonshire, which combines two thousand years of history with stunning countryside, a vibrant town centre, and quick links to Glasgow.

"Fringed by the rolling hills of the Campsie Fells and straddling the Forth & Clyde Canal, Kirkintilloch scored highly in three of the four categories that determine the overall ranking.

"Despite being an easy nine-mile commute from central Glasgow, its clean air quality helped it secure 10th place in the wellbeing category of our league table.

"Meanwhile, the competitiveness of the price of an average home in the area (£276,000) compared to the regional average propelled the town to sixth place in the value for money category."

Blairgowrie and Rattray in Perthshire took second place, with the twin towns south of Cairngorms National Park and the UK's largest ski resort boasting "a bewitching choice of outdoor pursuits and stunning views."

The research looked at 12 criteria including "proximity to National Parks and Areas of Outstanding Natural Beauty, air quality, crime figures, availability of high-paying jobs, transport and broadband connections."