Scottish islands rated best in Britain for bringing up children in UK survey
The Orkney Islands, Shetland and the Western Isles in northern Scotland have been identified as the best places in Britain to bring up children.
The annual children’s quality of life survey from Halifax said the Orkney Islands had retained the crown it has held since 2015, based on low primary school class size, high school spending per pupil, low population density and traffic levels.
Children in Orkney are also likely to be surrounded by adults in employment and with high personal wellbeing, Halifax said.
The Shetland Islands came second, while Craven in North Yorkshire scooped third place, the top place south of the Border.
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.”
Halifax used Office for National Statistics figures to make its findings.
Orkney’s number one position is the latest in a series of accolades for the islands.
In April this year, it was reported that people living there enjoy the best quality of life of any rural area in the UK.
Researchers who compiled the Bank of Scotland’s survey found that residents on the islands benefitted from stunning scenery, low crime rates, quiet roads and a good choice of pubs.
It was the first time that Orkney topped the survey, having jumped from 46th position last year.
The islands beat Wychavon in the West Midlands into second place.
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