GALASHIELS has been named as one of the happiest places to live in Scotland in a new report.

The town ranked fourth in Scotland and 45th in the UK in the annual Happy at Home Index study by Rightmove.

Stirling, which was 12th overall, took the Scottish top spot, a position Galashiels claimed for the second consecutive year in 2023.

More than 35,000 residents across the country were asked about where they live across 15 key happiness factors.

Residents were asked their opinions on topics including; how proud they feel about where they live, their sense of belonging, community spirit, whether they can be themselves, whether they can earn enough to live comfortably, public transport, sports and recreation, green spaces and artistic and cultural activities.  

Tim Bannister, Rightmove property expert said: “For over a decade we’ve been asking residents what makes them feel happy about where they live, as feeling happy is about more than the home itself.

“It’s the intangible factors of feeling proud to live in an area, feeling a sense of belonging, and feeling able to be yourself that are the biggest drivers of happiness.”

He added: “There are some interesting trends revealed by this year’s study, such as how those who live in a rural location are more likely to be happy than urban dwellers, who often live in busy cities.

“It’s the younger generation who are most likely to say they would be happier living somewhere else, many of whom have to travel to cities for education or to find their first jobs.”

Woodbridge in East Suffolk took top spot in the UK.