GULLANE has been named among the best places to live in the UK, according to a list of the top 50 villages in Britain put together by The Sunday Times.

It was named as one of the five top Scottish villages to live in by the newspaper, which said: “You don’t have to enjoy golf if you live here but it helps – there are three high-class courses, including venerable Muirfield.

“There’s plenty more to enjoy: Gullane Bents is a dream of a beach, whether you want to swim, make sandcastles, windsurf or just watch the seals bobbing in the Firth of Forth.

“Gullane is all pretty high-end but not haughty, with a friendly village school, film nights in the village hall (pandemic permitting), and clubs and classes for everything from tennis to line dancing.”

It noted that the average house price in Gullane was £348,646.

Ward councillor Jeremy Findlay, who lives in Gullane, said: “Despite having wonderful beaches, top-rated golf courses, fantastic restaurants and great local shopping, it is actually all about the people who live here.

“Whether you are up the hill, round the Goose Green or in the newer parts of the village, everyone is friendly to each other and there is a community spirit, as was shown during lockdown.

“Although many in the village were against all the new houses, I know the new residents of these houses will be made as welcome as anyone else.

“It’s just a wonderful community.”

Nicky Black, of Gullane Area Community Council, said: “The village association group have highlighted a number of brilliant things to do, including our regular beach clean-ups, walks, the magnificent bowling club and our cracking golf club. The beach has been used by so many people, it really is multi-purpose and people are visiting not just for lovely family outings but are really using it in a sporty way too.

“There are so many people to help out and encourage others to get involved in the community. The school is fantastic.

“Gullane is a supportive, diverse community and it is a very beautiful and fantastic place to live.”