Angry residents of towns and villages listed on a website as the 'worst areas' to live in Scotland have hit back defending their homes.
We posted some of the areas listed on the popular review website ILiveHere, where people can go to cut loose about their local area and boy, were the reviewers not holding back.
Scathing posts pointed out towns like East Kilbride and Cockenzie and Port Seton, and villages such as Tongue and Ballingry in Fife, as being terrible to live in – even the capital in Edinburgh came under attack for "selling its soul".
But locals weren't taking the posts lying down, as many of them took to the internet to defend their hometowns.
Ballingry
Villagers in Ballingry, which was singled out for being "immune to any form of improvement" spoke out on a local Facebook page.
Lea McLelland, who is the Councillor for Lochgelly, Cardenden and Benarty, first moved to Ballingry when she was 21, where her mum and her family are from, she said: "I can say without fear of contradiction 'I will never leave Ballingry as I love our community spirit and our desire to help & support each other whenever needed'.
"As one of the Elected members I am proud of Benarty and its people for the way we pull together in every situation whether it be a personal matter, community problem, Beast from the East or a Global Pandemic we have to deal with….we do it together."
Other residents were also quick to defend this picturesque village, one person described it as the "best place on the planet" adding: "Nowt wrong with Ballingry. One of the few places in Scotland you can go out walking your dog late at night and not a soul bothers you."
Another villager wrote: "Lived in Ballingry all my life and the Community is the Best you will ever find we all look out for each other and help out whenever we can. I am very proud of the people and proud to be part of my Heritage."
A frustrated resident added that it was probably one of the few communities left where people still help each other regardless of how little they have.
East Kilbride
Residents of East Kilbride also weren't happy their town came under attack after reviewers targeting it described it as a once-thriving town that's become an insular "slice of hell cut off from civilisation."
One irked local wrote in response: "Lived in East Kilbride for nearly 50 years and wouldn't want to live anywhere else."
While another added: "I've lived in EK for 40 years, never felt safer. Can walk through different parts never get any hassle!"
Others pointed out that East Kilbride still has some great places left and some great people too.
Edinburgh
Responding to the accusation that Edinburgh had "sold its soul" over the past few years to festivals and Christmas markets, locals Violeta and Rory Urquhart from Bonnyrigg said that it's not a huge problem for them.
Speaking to Edinburgh Live, Violeta said: "The Christmas Markets are a lovely attraction for locals and tourists alike. It's not too overgrown and I always look forward to it every year.
Rory disagreed slightly saying: "The city centre I would say is okay it's not too touristy. The Christmas Markets aren't as bad this year but it's still very crowded and there are all the issues with the organisers not getting planning permission.
"It would be better if they could organise it better."
While Violeta added: "All in all I don't think Edinburgh is too touristy, I'm glad local businesses can get money from tourists coming in and even if I can't find space to move on the pavement I can always wait a minute and walk at my own pace."
Another angry resident in the capital spoke out on Facebook: "Who cares what they say, it may well be political or just pure jealousy, this beautiful city is my City and is loved the World over, don’t listen to them."
Nairn
Others wanted to defend Nairn, about which one reviewer had written: "Screams awful, from the dreary, miserable scenery to the run-down high street."
Another resident defended the Highland town, saying: "I quite like Nairn and the surrounding area. Bit old-fashioned, but if it was ok for Charlie Chaplin, can’t be so bad!"
Tongue
Stepping up to defend the reputation of idyllic highland village Tongue, which one reviewer said was stuck in some "prehistoric, non politically correct time warp", Local councillor Linda Munro described the village as "breathtakingly beautiful" and having virtually no crime.
She said: "The air is crystal clear and the spectacle of Ben Loyal majestically spanning the horizon is awe-inspiring, though Brigadoon we are not!
"Like every area, we have our challenges – for instance, there is currently a shortage of plumbers, electricians, and care staff across the whole of the Northwest of Sutherland and we hope we can appeal to people in these professions.
"So, why would you come here? Why not?
"It’s a lifestyle you are buying into, and while it may not be for everyone, with only 21 children in the Tongue Primary School and two and a half teachers the pupil-teacher ratio here is better than private education.
"Our brand new state-of-the-art nursery currently has eight tots with plenty room and staff for more youngsters.
"Then there’s the whole range of hospitality venues available with new and exciting developments coming on board all of the time, and did I mention the development of a Satellite LaunchPad in Melness?
"And that's before you get to the community itself, the people here are flat out fabulous."
Former local resident Hannah White added: "I spent my childhood living in Tongue and although I have now settled overseas my Mum lives there and I love being able to go home to visit.
"The village of Tongue is possibly one of the safest places you could bring up a family, as a child I would spend the whole day down at the local river with friends, climbing trees, adventuring around Castle Varrich or at one of the many local beaches.
"In summer it doesn't really go dark and in Winter when it does, you settle in with your family and enjoy cosy times together. I think the main thing about Tongue though is the community, no one is ever left stuck and they will rally together to help when help is needed. People have your back.
"If you are a foodie then you are on the doorstep to some of the best seafood in the world, not to mention venison! If you're into the outdoors then there are plenty of mountains to climb such as Ben Loyal which is a spectacular view from the village of Tongue.
"My tip would be to go there, speak to the locals, get yourself out and about to explore the beautiful scenery and you may just change your mind."
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