Aberdeen is one of the best places in the UK in which to live and work, according to business experts PwC.
The Granite City was second only to Reading in a report ranking cities on their economic performance and quality of life.
But living in the north-east is not without its problems. The PwC report also highlighted concerns about house prices and work-life balance.
The 2013 Good Growth for Cities index measures the performance of 39 cities against 11 categories defined by the public and business as key to economic success and personal and family wellbeing. They include jobs, health, income, skills, work-life balance, house-prices, travel-to-work times and pollution.
For the second year, Scotland outperforms other regions, with Aberdeen and Edinburgh ranking second and third respectively and ahead of Oxford, Cambridge, Leeds, Belfast and Cardiff.
Glasgow comes in at number 25, still well ahead of London, Liverpool and Birmingham and in a similar position to Leeds and Manchester.
Among the devolved nations, four of the top five places were awarded to Scotland – Aberdeen, Edinburgh, Inverness and Dingwall and Perth and Blairgowrie.
Paul Brewer, of PwC, said: “Our research suggests that the public wants to live where people can combine opportunities to acquire jobs, skills and advancement with a good quality of life. It also suggests that investment follows the same priorities, seeking skills, talent and infrastructure.
“Scotland is one of the best-performing regions outside London. Whether it is Edinburgh’s financial services sector, Aberdeen’s oil and gas industry or Glasgow’s broader industrial base that supports half a million jobs, Scotland is delivering for citizens and investors alike.”
Aberdeen City Council leader Barney Crockett said: “As well as a healthy jobs market and healthy business growth and start-up rates, we have a lovely beach in the middle of the city. We have beautiful buildings, a great cultural offering, fabulous sporting facilities, an exciting night-time economy and an outstanding environment with award-winning parks and the countryside on our doorstep.”
Deputy First Minister, Nicola Sturgeon added: “Our cities make a vital contribution to our economy, one which can only be sustained if they deliver a good quality of life for their citizens. I’m very pleased that PwC has extended its report to include all the Scottish cities.”
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