FOLLOWING last week’s announcement that Neilston had been crowned the most desirable place to stay in Scotland, we took to the village’s streets to get residents’ views.

Those who live or were brought up there were quick to tell us why they believe Neilston finished top of the pile.

Myra Gray, 72, was happy to return home after a spell away from the village.

She said: “After having lived on the east coast for a while, it was a pleasure to come back and live here.

“The people are really nice. You walk along the street and people will smile and say, ‘good morning’ or ‘nice day’ or ‘terrible weather’.

“You feel part of a community which is nice.”

Retired William Black, who was raised in Neilston, offered an honest opinion.

The 75-year-old said: “It’s just a great place to be. The things we got up to as weans; we used to go up the Pad and round the Dams swimming and down the Killoch Glen. I think it’s a great place.”

Katherine McGarvey, 63, insists the village offers all that she requires.

“It’s got everything you need here,” she said.

“I used to live in Paisley and I’ve been in Cardonald but I’ve got everything on my doorstep.

“I’ve got my doctor’s, my dentist, the library, the leisure centre and everybody’s very friendly. There’s a good community spirit here, more so that than anything.

“The Neilston Development Trust is brilliant because they’re making the place nice. For elderly people there’s help here and we’ve got First Response as well which is great.

“And the houses are not an arm and a leg which means folk don’t have to commit themselves to massive mortgages.

“The train is a great link because it takes you straight into Glasgow so we’re lucky in that respect.”

Parent Jessica Brown, 33, moved to Neilston from Newcastle.

She highlighted the quality of the village’s childcare facilities and said: “It’s got everything. You’re in the country but you can access the town really easily.

“The schools are brilliant, the nurseries are brilliant and you’re not isolated.

“There are lots of community groups, toddler groups. There’s stuff going on at the library, you have a leisure centre.

“It’s a small village but you’ve got everything. You don’t need to go anywhere else during the week.”