The “best places to live in Scotland” for 2025 have been named.
On Friday (March 21), The Times unveiled its annual list of the top destinations to live across Scotland and the UK. The roundup was compiled by a team of judges, who assessed factors such as schools, transport, culture, and green spaces.
Coming in at number one for Scotland is North Berwick in East Lothian. The coastal town previously topped the newspaper’s UK-wide list of the best destinations to live in 2024.
North Berwick is located on the south shore of the Firth of Forth, around 20 miles out of Edinburgh. The seaside destination is renowned for its sandy bays and attractions such as the Scottish Seabird Centre.
The Times wrote: “Lovely beaches, quality schools, thriving independent businesses, the beautiful East Lothian countryside on your doorstep and central Edinburgh just a half-hour away by train—it’s no secret why North Berwick is consistently one of the best places to live in Scotland. It’s got a lot, and it seems to be getting better all the time.
“Which is why it was our overall Best Places to Live winner for 2024 and deserves to remain champion of Scotland for another year.”
Elsewhere, seven other destinations feature on The Times’ list of the best places to live in Scotland in 2025. Both trendy city suburbs and remote retreats away from the hustle and bustle are included in the roundup.
In terms of city spots, The Times singled out Stockbridge in Edinburgh. Just a short walk from the Scottish capital’s busy city centre, the neighbourhood has the atmosphere of a lively village and earned attention for its “delightful delis”.
Meanwhile, the newspaper also named Strathbungo in Glasgow as one of the top destinations in Scotland for 2025. The popular neighbourhood was noted for its “strong feeling of neighbourly togetherness and co-operation”.
The East Dunbartonshire town of Milngavie also features on the list. According to The Times, the Glasgow suburb is ideally suited to those who want to be close to the action of Scotland’s biggest city but still enjoy an outdoor lifestyle.
The East Neuk of Fife is another destination included on The Times’ roundup. Famed for its charming fishing villages and picturesque coastline, the region received attention for its “gabled properties and world-famous fish suppers”.
Elsewhere, Aberfeldy in Perth and Kinross also earned a spot on the prestigious list. Home to The Birks of Aberfeldy walk, made famous by Robert Burns, the burgh was praised for its idyllic surroundings and healthy lifestyle.
Over in Moray, the coastal village and former royal burgh of Cullen is also featured on the roundup. Cullen, which is best known as the home of Cullen skink, was highlighted for its various water sports opportunities.
Finally, the last destination in Scotland to be named among the “best places to live” in 2025 is the island of Tiree in the Inner Hebrides. Home to a population of around just 650 people, the newspaper noted its “close-knit creative community who also get to enjoy some of the most spectacular sunrises and sunsets every day of the year”.
See below for the full list of the “best places to live in Scotland” in 2025. More information about each one can be found on The Times website.
Best places to live in Scotland for 2025
- Overall winner: North Berwick, East Lothian
- Aberfeldy, Perth and Kinross
- Cullen, Moray
- East Neuk, Fife
- Edinburgh: Stockbridge
- Glasgow: Strathbungo
- Milngavie, East Dunbartonshire
- Tiree, Argyll