KILMACOLM has been ranked one of the best places to live in Scotland according to new research.

A Sunday Times study says the Inverclyde village is in the top 10 locations to stay in the country.

Kilmacolm made it into the Scottish top 10 and was praised as an attractive commuter village.

According to the report, the average cost of a home ranges from £113,500 to over £440k, with rent figures of between £580 and £1,430 a month.

Councillor David Wilson, who represents Kilmacolm and lived there for 20 years, says it is easy to see why it is such a desirable area.

Mr Wilson said: "I can understand it.

"It's got a lot of good facilities - a golf club, bowling club, tennis club and numerous societies, particularly in the Cargill Centre, which is a tremendous community hub for the village. "There's the library, two doctors' surgeries and, compared to a lot of other villages its size, Kilmacolm has a good range of shops.

"The fact that there's been a study to see if we can find some more long stay parking in the village centre is a sign of a place that's busy and popular. "It also has three very good schools - a state primary and St Columba's junior and senior schools. "St Columba's is usually in the top five private schools in Scotland for academic achievement and that makes the village an attractive place to live for people who wish to educate their children privately.

"It's a great pull. "On top of all that, we have a bonfire, the annual show and fireworks display every year, which thousands go to."

The study, in association with online mortgage broker Habito, found that Kilmacolm has one of the lowest average 'starter' house prices at £113k, just ahead of St Boswells in the Borders and the city of Dundee where like-for-like properties fetch around £101k and £110k, respectively.

At the other end of the scale, the village is one of the most expensive in the report.

Houses in the 'top of the range' bracket fetch £441k on average, beaten only by North Berwick in East Lothian where the figure is £533k.

Properties in the 'mid market' category cost on average £207k and command rent of £750 per calendar month.

Dundee was rated the best place to live in Scotland while the overall UK winner will be revealed on Sunday.

Factors such as employment, schools, broadband speed, local shops and community spirit were assessed alongside latest stats, including house prices, to compile the list, which was finalised by a panel of judges.