The Channel 4 programme Location, Location, Location announced the winners of the best and worst places to live in the UK last night. Apparently this is the third year they have done this but it’s the first time I have come across it. I was rather half heartedly watching it right to the last moment and then they panned a camera across the rooftops of the Number 1 place before it was announce and I realised that it was my beautiful home city! I am so proud.   

The decision was based on a number of factors including education, crime, emissions, variety of entertainment … Amongst the statistics the one that stuck out for me was that if you live in Edinburgh you are 5 times less likely to be a victim of crime against the UK wide average. ( my husband thinks is might be violent crime but I can’t clarify that so far).

The TV show’s website has a page for posting comments. That’s what has really interested me today.

Many people have given a 4 or 5 star rating and have quoted their own reasons for why the love living in this city. There does not seem to be any middle ground though. There are a few one stars. Many of the negative comments are about the people. Here in Scotland we have stereotypes of how the people in Glasgow and Edinburgh differ. I have worked in both cities and I fould the Glaswegians I met warm and open but I could not comment on the entire population of the city!  I think we probably are a wee bit more reserved in Edinburgh but I also think the  comments about being stuck up and cold  are based in the past. Edinburgh is such a multicultural city so people like me who have lived here all our lives must have been affected by our new residents. In any case I can’t imagine that the people in any village/town/city are all exactly the same!

And, there is no question, Edinburgh has its fair share of social problems. Some of the low income areas of the City are  in need of serious support and attention. On one hand Edinburgh has a growing number of £1m+ homes and on the other in some areas families are having to live in accommodation of poor quality where there is definitely room for improvement.  It’s a continuous challenge for the local council and the Scottish Government.

For the moment though I am chuffed to live in the city which is really the place to be!

http://www.channel4.com/4homes/ontv/best&worst/2007/top20/Best-Worst-Edinburgh.html