MELROSE has lost its crown as the best place to live in Scotland.

But it has been replaced in the Sunday Times top ten list by neighbouring village St Boswells.

Ten locations in Scotland have been named among the Best Places to Live in the UK by The Sunday Times, with Dundee coming out on top.

The Sunday Times Best Places to Live guide, including the overall winner, is published on Sunday, April 14.

The supplement assesses a wide range of factors, from employment, schools and broadband speed to culture, community spirit and local shops, in order to compile the definitive top locations to live.

Up to date house prices provided by Habito and TwentyCi, are also used as well as the knowledge of The Sunday Times’s expert panel.

The judges combine the hard data with their own on-the-ground experience and insight to ensure the chosen locations truly are places where everyone can thrive.

Scotland’s sunniest city, Dundee, has made it to the top spot for the nation this year.

Along with North Berwick, it is one of two locations within Scotland that return from last year’s The Sunday Times Best Places to Live guide.

Edinburgh has two locations on the 2019 list.

Leith, Edinburgh’s old port, has been recognised for its cutting-edge creativity and culinary scene, and Stockbridge, on the fringe of the New Town, is praised for its beautiful properties and village atmosphere, and pretty walks along the Water of Leith.

In the Highlands, Port Appin, in Argyll, features thanks to breathtaking scenery that provided fabulous opportunities for walking, cycling and sailing, and welcoming community spirit.

The scenery is even more breathtaking on Mull, the only island on this year’s list.

Best known as the setting for children’s TV favourite Balamory, the judges described it as the perfect Goldilocks option: not too remote, not too busy, and perfectly Scottish from its white-sand beaches to its gorse-covered slopes and Munro-sized peak, Ben More.

Other selected locations include Glasgow’s trendy Finnieston district, as well as the attractive commuter towns of Kilmacolm and Killearn.

Last year’s winner, Melrose, narrowly misses out, with its place taken by its Borders neighbour St Boswells, home of the award-winning bookshop and deli Mainstreet Trading.

Helen Davies, The Sunday Times Home editor said: "Finding our very own best place to live now feels more important than ever, for our wellbeing and wealth, happiness and health.

"Wherever you are on the property ladder The Sunday Times has championed 101 locations across the UK, and crowned one lucky winner, that we think is a great place to make a home.

"This year we were looking for community spirit along with convenience and culture.

"There is so much going on around the country, and so many great places that the choice was a hard one."

Daniel Hegarty, Founder and CEO at Habito, the online mortgage broker said: "We know there are many reasons, beyond house prices, why people live where they live in Scotland. But, regardless of location, getting a mortgage can be the most hellish part of buying.

"Habito exists to make mortgages easier - whether that’s for a historic apartment in Leith, Edinburgh, a cottage with a view in St Boswell, or a family home in Dundee.”