A NEW study has named Inverclyde as one of the happiest places in Scotland — with its people and scenery voted as the reasons why.

Figures from the Office for National Statistics (ONS) revealed Inverclyde is in the top 10 cheeriest districts in the country.

Out of the 32 local authority areas, it’s in 10th spot, with more than a third of people ranking themselves at the top of the happiness scale.

The year-long study found 34.68 per cent of people living here are happy, compared with the Scottish national average of 32.32 per cent.

The study also revealed people in Inverclyde are happier than they have been for the last three years.

Provost Robert Moran is thrilled with the results.

He said: “This is a great thing.

“I’m not really surprised because the people who fully embrace Inverclyde like living here.

“I go back to what I do as Provost, and the people I meet and that message of happiness comes across to me all the time.

“People might not believe that but it’s true.” Nationally, people credited an improving economy, increasing employment and a boost in household incomes for their heightened mood.

But here in Inverclyde, the people, scenery and community spirit were pinpointed as the top reasons why people are pleased.

Provost Moran says Inverclyde’s state-of-the-art schools, modern leisure facilities and good transport links also play a huge part.

He added: “A good example is the citizenship ceremonies I attend.

“I was at one last Wednesday, three people wanted to become British citizens and chose to live in Inverclyde.

“Recently I spoke to a couple who came here from South Africa and asked what they thought about the quality of life here.

“Both work in Glasgow for multi-national companies and they had looked at houses in the city.

“But they visited Inverclyde and fell in love with the place — the husband said to me how his mum visited recently, opened the veranda, looked out the window and said ‘you’re living in heaven’.

“They were blown away by the scenery and also the facilities.” Nationally, Eilean Siar, Orkney and Shetland led the way in the survey, with top happiness ratings of 44.41 per cent, while Moray finished bottom of the pile on 27 per cent.