A BORDERS town has been named as one of the best places to live in Scotland by The Sunday Times.

Melrose – which has previously scooped the number one spot – is in the paper's 'Best Places to Live' guide for 2021.

The town is described as having “a laid-back vibe”.

“The judges said a burgeoning food scene is an exciting addition to the country charm of the most appealing town in the Scottish Borders,” the guide states.

“Here, the good life is well within reach of Edinburgh via car or the Borders train.

“Melrose residents tend to be retirement age or coming up to it, which adds to the fulfilled, laid-back vibe.

“Don’t miss bagels from Apples for Jam, a minimalist coffee shop on the high street whose takeaway offerings are targeted at walkers returning from a yomp in the hills.”

According to the guide, the average house price in the town is £199,950, with the average price for renters at £575 per calendar month.

The Sunday Times’ judges base the guide on a wide range of factors, “from schools, air quality, transport and broadband speeds to culture, green spaces and the health of the high street”.

North Berwick, in East Lothian, was named as the best place to live in Scotland.

The other six locations that complete the top eight are: Bearsden (East Dunbartonshire); Broughty Ferry (Tayside); Dennistoun (Glasgow); Dunkeld (Perth and Kinross); Isle of Eigg; and Portobello (Edinburgh).

To view the full guide, click here. The print version will appear this weekend.