Shepherd Chartered Surveyors has hailed Stirling’s ranking as the happiest place to live in Scotland by its residents in Rightmove’s annual Happy at Home Index.

Thousands of residents across over 200 areas in Great Britain told Rightmove how they feel about their area, from the friendliness of the people to the access to employment opportunities. The study also asked residents to share how happy they feel about where they live.

The average asking price for a home in Stirling is £226,547, which is lower than the current British national average of £364,833.

Ian Fergusson, Senior Partner at Shepherd and Stirling resident, said: “For those of us fortunate enough to live and work in Stirling, it will come as no surprise to learn that Stirling has secured the top spot as the happiest place to live in Scotland.

After all, Stirling is the ‘Heart of Scotland’ featuring such iconic landmarks as Stirling Castle and the Wallace Monument and is a vibrant city blending rich history with modern culture and economic growth, a place where Scotland’s past and future converge.”

He added: “Offering a blend of ancient heritage and contemporary life, with a university, shopping, arts, and a thriving food scene, Stirling’s central location offers easy access to Edinburgh, Glasgow, and beyond, with major transport links.

And with a buoyant and affordable housing market, its small wonder that its own residents rank it the happiest place to live in Scotland.”

Kieran Bonner (pictured above), partner in Shepherd’s Stirling office, added: “Ongoing new build development within the area continues to expand the city with potential for future growth, attracting new residents to Scotland’s capital city for happiness!”