Galashiels is Scotland's happiest place to live and comes second overall in this year’s list put together by property portal Rightmove.
Residents of the Borders town scored it particularly highly on the friendliness and politeness of the people – scoring top for this across Britain.
Alice Brown, a valuer at estate agent Rettie & Co Borders said: “Steeped in history, Galashiels has a wide variety of housing from classic period properties to new builds, offering something for every type of buyer.
“The countryside surrounding Galashiels also has much to offer, especially for those with an interest in rural pursuits such as walking, trail running, biking, wild swimming, etc.
“In terms of entertainment, a variety of amenities are on the doorstep, including a cinema, gyms, a swimming pool, supermarkets, independent shops, cafes, a retail park, restaurants and well-regarded schools.
“The recently-established Heartland Market brings together the town and local businesses.”
St Ives was been crowned Britain’s happiest place to live in the annual survey, overtaking Hexham, having alternated with the market town for first place since 2019.
More than 21,000 people responded to Rightmove’s Happy at Home Index , which asks residents how they feel about where they live.
Locations are ranked based on factors such as whether people feel there is a sense of belonging, the proximity to green spaces, local amenities and whether there is a community spirit.
Scotland scored two other entries in the top 10, with Perth coming fifth and Stirling ninth.
Here are Britain’s happiest places to live in 2022, followed by the average asking price for a home and the average asking monthly rental price:
1. St Ives, south west, £523,731, £1,152
2. Galashiels, Scotland, £153,546, £530
3. Woodbridge, east of England, £481,978, £1,196
4. Hexham, north east, £262,265, £810
5. Perth, Scotland, £179,410, £812
6. Harrogate, Yorkshire and the Humber, £381,124, £1,327
7. Anglesey, Wales, £324,048, £766
8. Bury St Edmunds, east of England, £334,160, £1,368
9. Stirling, Scotland, £197,075, £990
10. Cirencester, south west, £382,065, £1,331
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