An Aberdeenshire village has been named among the best places to live in the UK by one of the world’s leading property guides.
Braemar is among eight Scottish locations to secure a spot in The Sunday Times Best Places to Live 2026, which will be published this weekend.
The village is described as “Scotland at its best” in the annual guide – widely regarded as the definitive survey of Britain’s cities, towns and villages.
Other Scottish locations featured include Linlithgow, Aberfeldy, Dollar, East Linton, Melrose, Scotstoun in Glasgow, and Newhaven in Edinburgh.
Set deep within the Cairngorms National Park, Braemar is praised for its “velvety mountains, guaranteed snow and chocolate box cottages”, combining postcard-perfect scenery with a strong sense of community.
The guide highlights the village’s evolution in recent years, driven in part by the transformation of the Fife Arms into a luxury destination that has attracted high-profile visitors while remaining firmly rooted in local life.
Despite its growing profile, Braemar retains what the guide describes as a “down-to-earth” character, underpinned by an active community with book clubs, sports groups and cultural initiatives.
Events such as the world-famous Braemar Gathering – the pinnacle of the Highland Games calendar – continue to anchor the village in tradition, while a busy programme of festivals, arts and outdoor pursuits reflects its modern appeal.
The guide also notes the challenges of rural living, including limited transport links and a shortage of affordable housing, though local organisations are working to address these issues.
With an average house price of £276,100, Braemar offers a blend of heritage, natural beauty and community spirit that has secured its place among the UK’s most desirable places to live.
Across the UK, the 2026 guide crowns Norwich as the overall best place to live, praised by judges as a “creative, cosmopolitan city with a small-town feel”.
The Norfolk city – the only location to feature in all 14 editions of the guide – was commended for its blend of historic character and modern lifestyle, combining independent shops, cultural attractions and green spaces with relative affordability.
Judges described it as “trendy but kind, with a green conscience and a warm heart”, highlighting the wider purpose of the guide in recognising communities that balance quality of life with strong local identity.
Helen Davies, editorial projects director and Best Places to Live editor, said: “This guide is a great opportunity to highlight the wonderful work that communities across the country are doing.”