The Scottish cities named the 'safest' to live in

Scotland's three biggest cities have all scored top 20 placings in a new survey of Britain's safest places.

Aberdeen was rated the safest city in the UK, while Edinburgh was seventh and Glasgow 13th.

The Granite City scored 7.82 out of 10, while Edinburgh notched up 7.67 and Glasgow 7.44.

The current crime rate in an area, and how safe a family will feel in their new home, are critical factors when people are looking to move.

Aberdeen 'safe as it has ever been'

The latest 'Unbroken Britain'  study from Provident Personal Credit shows Aberdeen's figure this month jumped from 7.55 the previous September.

Provident said the city was "as welcoming, friendly and safe as it’s ever been, going by our data. Perceptions of politeness have increased the most significantly over the past six months, while levels of gossip have dropped. Overall, Aberdeen continues to be one of the best cities in the UK, according to its residents".

Edinburgh 'Improving'

Edinburgh's rating was also on the rise, up from 7.24 in September.

Provident said: "The feelings of the residents of Edinburgh held solid last time they answered our survey, but our new data suggests the city is enjoying an improvement.

"Every area has increased in positivity, with area upkeep and friendliness making particularly notable jumps. Unfortunately, gossip levels have also risen, but according to the data, most residents don’t seem to mind."

Less gossip in Glasgow

Glasgow also recorded an increase from September's 7.04.

Provident said: "Perceptions of safety and happiness have increased with the population of Glasgow, which more than makes up for the tiny drop across friendliness and area upkeep. In fact, most areas have had a small but noticeable improvement, including gossip, which has dropped a fair amount."

Bottom of the 30 cities in the safest table was Sheffield with 6.82, while Portsmouth was 29th on 7.04 and London 28th with 7.05.

Fancy moving to a 'safe city'?

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