Perth and Kinross named one of best places to raise children

In Scotland only the Northern Isles, the Western Isles and Highlands rated higher

A report praising Perth and Kinross as one of the best areas to bring up children has been hailed a “fantastic accolade”.

The Halifax-Lloyds Banking Group study ranks Perth and Kinross as the 13th best place in the UK to raise a child.

Only Orkney, Shetland, the Western Isles and the Highlands were deemed better in Scotland.

The study used Office for National Statistics figures to examine factors such as class size, academic results, traffic density and how happy the area’s adults are.

Alexander Stewart, Conservative MSP for Mid Scotland and Fife, served on education committees for Perth and Kinross Council for more than 15 years.

He said the quality of life for children in the area is “exceptional”, adding: “Children today have even more opportunities to develop and to strive – they have a massive gamut.”

He continued: “When I served on the council’s education committee I was always impressed by the facilities that were available for children in Perth and Kinross.

“This includes nurseries, schools, out-of-school clubs and sports clubs.

“Being one of the top places in the UK to bring up children is a fantastic accolade and is also good for schools, housing, the economy and the environment in Perth and Kinross.

“The findings of this report once again show what good facilities there are for children in Perth and Kinross.

“The quality of life is exceptional and this report is wonderful news for the area.”

Councillor Ian Campbell, leader of Perth and Kinross Council, said: “There are many reasons why Perth and Kinross would rate so highly – the fantastic natural environment we enjoy here, the high standard of education delivered in local schools, the close-knit communities in both urban and rural areas, a low level of unemployment and a real diversity of leisure and recreation opportunities on our doorstep.

“All of these play their part in making the area a great place for children and young people, and as a council, we are continuing to work in partnership with our residents and our partner agencies and organisations to make a difference to the younger generation in Perth and Kinross now and into the future.”

Russell Galley, managing director of Halifax, said: “Measuring the best quality of life for children covers a range of factors including class size, spending per pupil and academic results.

“Kids in the top-ranked places will often be surrounded by a greater proportion of adults in full-time employment who also consider themselves to be happy.”

The Orkney Islands came first in the list.

Dundee, Angus and Fife did not feature in the top 50.

Picture: Steve MacDougall. Halifax-Lloyds Banking Group has rated Perth and Kinross as one of the best places in the UK to raise children.