HAPPY TO BE HERE
HIGHLANDS AND ISLANDS IS No1
WE ALREADY know some of the country’s most beautiful scenery is in the Highlands and Islands – but now it’s officially also the happiest place to live in Scotland.
An annual Bank of Scotland survey asks Scots how happy or unhappy they are in their local communities. And this year the Highlands and Islands has come out top – moving up from second last year.
Those living in the region highlight its rural nature and a strong sense of community as being key to their positive outlook.
Mid Scotland and Fife is the second happiest, followed by South Scotland.
Those living in Glasgow are said to be the unhappiest in the country.
The survey creates a cheeriness barometer ranging between -100 (very unhappy) to +100 (very happy).
Somewhat unhappy is marked as -50, neither happy nor unhappy at 0 and somewhat happy at +50.
Overall, Scots are slightly less happy than last year as the index recorded a score of 44.6 – a small decrease of 0.3 compared to 2018. But that’s still 5.6 points happier than four years ago.
They say money can’t buy happiness – but it does appear to help to some extent. Perhaps not surprisingly, those on the highest incomes remain the happiest across the country. Scots with a household income of more than £60,000 are happiest, with those earning less than £15,000 the least happy. Happiness levels have gone down over the last year among 18 to 24-yearolds. Their score has fallen by seven points to 33.5, taking them to the bottom of the table.
And who said old people are grumpier? The survey reveals over-65s remain the happiest age group, having consistently topped the index for the last four years.
Those who are sharing their home with someone also reported being happier.
Households with two residents say they’re the happiest with a score of 51.7.
Bigger families also do well – with households of six or more in second place at 47.3. But those living on their own are the least happy households, at 36.6.
Bank of Scotland director Ricky Diggins said: “Residents of the Highlands and Islands will be even happier once they find out they officially live in the cheeriest part of Scotland.
“More remote locations can present some challenges to everyday life, particularly around areas such as transport, but locals highlight the natural environment and sense of community as being key to their happiness.”
Beautiful rural environment and strong sense of community make our most remote area the cheeriest place to live