Orkney Islands Retain Crown as UK's Best Place to Raise a Family

In a recent survey on the quality of life for families in the UK, the Orkney Islands have retained their position as the top-ranked location. The islands, situated off the northern coast of Scotland, have held this prestigious title since 2015.

The survey, conducted by Halifax, examined key factors such as employment, house size, broadband access, traffic, and even adults' overall well-being. Orkney's high employment rates, low crime levels, strong exam results, and smaller primary school class sizes were cited as major contributors to its continued success.

James Stockan, the leader of the Orkney Islands Council, expressed his delight at the region's performance, stating that the win is a testament to the "traditional sense of community" and the "forward-thinking, self-reliant, ambitious, can-do attitude" of the local residents.

Alongside Orkney, other Scottish regions also fared exceptionally well in the survey. The Shetland Islands and the Western Isles claimed the second and third spots, respectively, further solidifying Scotland's dominance in providing the best quality of life for families in the UK.

The Orkney Islands are renowned for their breathtaking natural landscapes, offering residents and visitors alike a wealth of outdoor activities, from long walks and swims to water sports and wildlife tours. The region is also rich in history, boasting ancient monuments and World Heritage Sites that are open for exploration.

According to Russell Galley, the managing director at Halifax, the winning formula for quality of life in the countryside seems to consistently include high employment levels, strong well-being scores, small school class sizes, and high average spending per pupil.