NEILSTON has been recognised at Westminster after being named the most desirable place to live in Scotland.

The village was brought to the attention of Members of Parliament when East Renfrewshire's representative Kirsten Oswald laid down an Early Day Motion celebrating the accolade.

A Royal Mail study placed Neilston at the top of the list ahead of other areas in East Renfrewshire, including Eaglesham in fourth, sixth-placed Giffnock and Newton Mearns which came eighth.

The rest of the top 10 comprised Bishopbriggs (second), Lenzie/Kirkintilloch (third), Milngavie (fifth), Bearsden (seventh), Stornoway (ninth) and Kirkwall (10th).

Undertaken by the Centre for Economics and Business Research, the study analysed the past two years to calculate the most desirable areas of the country.

Factors which contributed to ‘desirability’ included good schools, access to green spaces, good employment prospects, working hours, affordable housing and average commuting times.

Reacting to the news that Neilston had been placed above anywhere else, Ms Oswald said: “It is always a pleasure to visit Neilston, which is a lovely town, set in beautiful countryside.

“Neilston is a shining example of community spirit and local people who are committed to working together to create a better town is at the heart of what makes it such a special place.

“This strong sense of community, coupled with the fantastic schools and easy access to green spaces only a stone’s throw away from Glasgow, means it should be no surprise that Neilston has achieved top spot.

“I am delighted for everyone in Neilston and I am very pleased to see other East Renfrewshire communities featuring so strongly in the top 10 list.

“One of the great pleasures of my job is travelling around East Renfrewshire to hold my local surgeries. We are very fortunate to live in East Renfrewshire and I am delighted to commend this success by laying down an Early Day Motion in Westminster.”