This article is from the source 'bbc' and was first published or seen on . It will not be checked again for changes.

You can find the current article at its original source at http://news.bbc.co.uk/go/rss/-/1/hi/scotland/7743151.stm

The article has changed 2 times. There is an RSS feed of changes available.

Version 0 Version 1
Islands top for quality of life Shetland top for quality of life
(about 1 hour later)
Shetland Islanders have the highest quality of life in Scotland, according to a new survey.Shetland Islanders have the highest quality of life in Scotland, according to a new survey.
The Bank of Scotland study said residents tended to have higher than average earnings, more chance of being employed and better health.The Bank of Scotland study said residents tended to have higher than average earnings, more chance of being employed and better health.
The islands also benefited from the best education results and had a low rate of housebreaking.The islands also benefited from the best education results and had a low rate of housebreaking.
Aberdeenshire came in second, East Dunbartonshire was third and the Orkney Islands were fourth on the list.Aberdeenshire came in second, East Dunbartonshire was third and the Orkney Islands were fourth on the list.
They were followed by East Renfrewshire, East Lothian, Scottish Borders, Midlothian, Moray and Angus.They were followed by East Renfrewshire, East Lothian, Scottish Borders, Midlothian, Moray and Angus.
Properties in six of the top 10 quality of life areas attract a premium, selling for more than the average Scottish house price - which is £165,921.Properties in six of the top 10 quality of life areas attract a premium, selling for more than the average Scottish house price - which is £165,921.
The Shetland Islands not only have the best quality of life but lower than average house prices means that householders have good value-for-money housing Martin EllisBank of ScotlandThe Shetland Islands not only have the best quality of life but lower than average house prices means that householders have good value-for-money housing Martin EllisBank of Scotland
In East Renfrewshire, the area ranked as having the fifth highest quality of life, average property prices were the highest in Scotland at £223,662.In East Renfrewshire, the area ranked as having the fifth highest quality of life, average property prices were the highest in Scotland at £223,662.
However in the Shetland Islands prices for the year up to September 2008 were 24% lower than the Scottish average.However in the Shetland Islands prices for the year up to September 2008 were 24% lower than the Scottish average.
Martin Ellis, chief economist at the Bank of Scotland, said: "The Shetland Islands not only have the best quality of life but lower than average house prices means that householders have good value-for-money housing."Martin Ellis, chief economist at the Bank of Scotland, said: "The Shetland Islands not only have the best quality of life but lower than average house prices means that householders have good value-for-money housing."
The Shetland Islands was ranked at 109 in Great Britain for its quality of life.The Shetland Islands was ranked at 109 in Great Britain for its quality of life.
According to the research Elmbridge in Surrey is the area with the highest quality of life in Britain.According to the research Elmbridge in Surrey is the area with the highest quality of life in Britain.
The Quality of Life study said Shetland had the highest employment rate but the highest average earnings were in Stirling.The Quality of Life study said Shetland had the highest employment rate but the highest average earnings were in Stirling.
East Renfrewshire had the most owner-occupied properties and the Western Isles had the biggest houses in Scotland.East Renfrewshire had the most owner-occupied properties and the Western Isles had the biggest houses in Scotland.
Traffic flows were lowest in the Western Isles, Highland and Argyll and Bute.Traffic flows were lowest in the Western Isles, Highland and Argyll and Bute.
The Western Isles was also lowest for housebreaking.The Western Isles was also lowest for housebreaking.
East Lothian had the lowest average annual rainfall and Aberdeen and Dundee City had the most hours of sunshine.East Lothian had the lowest average annual rainfall and Aberdeen and Dundee City had the most hours of sunshine.
Life expectancy was highest in East Dunbartonshire, East Renfrewshire and Aberdeenshire.Life expectancy was highest in East Dunbartonshire, East Renfrewshire and Aberdeenshire.