Money talks in rankings of happiest areas to live

Survey: Aberdeenshire rated third

East Renfrewshire has been ranked the happiest place to live in Scotland in a new study.

Research for Royal Mail analysed eight measures thought to be linked to happiness, including life expectancy, crime levels and earnings.

The council area southwest of Glasgow topped the Scottish list, with its position cemented by a high placing in the earnings index.

The area scored in the 90th percentile across all local authorities in the UK for income, Royal Mail said.

East Dunbartonshire came second in the Scottish study, boasting low levels of crime and good access to health services.

Aberdeenshire completed the top three, also scoring highly for health services.

Stirling, in fourth place, was found to have a comparatively good level of earnings relative to other local authorities in Scotland.

The Scottish Borders secured the next position on the list with the second lowest level of crime in Scotland, followed closely by Midlothian and East Lothian.

Highland (eighth) and the Shetland Islands (10th) were the two northernmost local authorities on the top 10 list.

Highland had the joint highest score for reported personal wellbeing across the UK, while the Shetland Islands’ low crime rate and low deprivation levels edged it past other areas.

South Ayrshire finished ninth with its strong performance in access to local services.

Winchester was declared the happiest place to live in the UK.

The eight measures studied were: reported personal wellbeing; life expectancy; earnings; inequality; carbon emissions; crime; deprivation; and access to health services.

A Royal Mail spokeswoman said: “This new study takes a look at the areas across the UK sparking the most joy.

“For people across the UK looking to live in or visit the happiest places, there are plenty to choose from.”

Photograph by Kenny Elrick SHIRE BLISS: A cyclist enjoys the view from Scolty Hill in Scolty Forest, near Banchory.