Living in Central Scotland

Central Scotland East covers the spectacular regions of Stirling, Perthshire and Fife. Stirling is home to Bannockburn, Stirling Castle and the Wallace Monument. Perthshire's spectacular, diverse countryside is steeped in history.

In Fife you'll find some of the UK's best kept beaches and delightful fishing villages.

The information below gives some practical information on living in central Scotland.

Housing

In all of the council areas in central Scotland there are a variety of options when looking for somewhere to stay. 

There are council provided housing along with a wide selection of flat, cottages, villas and townhouses to rent across the region.

Many people in Scotland buy their house. Average house prices in central Scotland are

  • Stirling £123,000
  • Perth £166,000
  • Fife £141,000

More on accommodation in Central Scotland 

Education

There are many outstanding education establishments in central Scotland with a wide provision of primary and secondary schools, even in more remote areas.

Further and higher education is well provided for in the region with colleges in Stirling, Perth and Fife as well as smaller learning centres elsewhere. Stirling and Fife have their own universities

  • University of Stirling
  • University of St Andrews

More on learning and studying in Central Scotland 

Sport and leisure

Central Scotland offers a wide selection of sporting pursuits including hill-walking, cycling, golf, windsurfing, kayaking fishing and many more.

Perthshire is the adventure capital of Scotland with world-class fishing, walking and cycling routes mountains to climb and several golf courses.

Fife is known throughout the world as the 'Home of Golf' and boasts more than forty courses.

In addition to a good selection of retail shopping centres across central Scotland, there are lots of other leisure pursuits to keep people of all ages occupied. 

Stirling is home to Bannockburn, Stirling Castle and the Wallace Monument. The Falkirk Wheel, the world’s only rotating boat lift, is worth a visit.

Perthshire has diverse countryside as well as museums and galleries.

In Fife you will find some of the UK's best kept beaches and delightful fishing villages. 

More on sport in Scotland 

More on leisure in Scotland 

Medical services

As in the rest of Scotland, healthcare is available through the National Health Service (NHS).

The South of Scotland is a rich and colourful place to live. You can live in one of the main towns of Ayr, Dumfries or Peebles and experience a variety of shops, restaurants, bars, entertainment and amenities.

Within easy reach of these are many towns and villages where you can enjoy a quieter pace of life and the beauty of Scotland’s countryside. The beaches and coastline stretch for miles.

Housing

In all of the council areas in the South of Scotland there are a variety of options when looking for somewhere to stay. There is council provided housing along with a wide selection of flat, cottages, villas and townhouses to rent across the region.

Many people in Scotland buy their house and average house prices in the South region are

  • Ayr £127,000
  • Dumfries £162,000
  • Peebles £198,000

Education

There are many outstanding education establishments in the South region with a wide provision of primary and secondary schools, even in more remote areas.

Further and higher education is well provided for in the region with colleges in Ayrshire, the Borders, and Dumfries and Galloway as well as smaller learning centres elsewhere.

There are four universities within commuting distance of the South of Scotland

  • West of Scotland
  • Heriot Watt
  • Napier
  • Scottish Agricultural College

More on learning and studying in the South of Scotland  

Sport and leisure

Sport and leisure opportunities in the area are limitless. The South of Scotland offers some of the finest sporting pursuits in the country including

  • Golf
  • Kayaking
  • Windsurfing
  • Cycling
  • Fishing
  • Walking and hiking 

The main towns in the region have outstanding retail shopping and there's lots of other leisure pursuits to keep people of all ages occupied.

From children's amusement parks, historic sites such as Culzean Castle, beaches, museums and galleries, there's something for everyone in the South of Scotland.

Medical services

As in the rest of Scotland, healthcare is available through the National Health Service (NHS). 

New arrivals to Scotland should contact the local doctor's surgery to register for healthcare