A RENFREWSHIRE village has been hailed as the most healthy place to live in Scotland.

Lochwinnoch earned the unofficial title thanks to low pollution levels, good access to green space and health services and a relative lack of pubs and fast food outlets.

The Foxbar area of Paisley was also highlighted as one of Scotland’s healthiest places in the list drawn up by researchers at the University of Liverpool.

The news has been praised by local councillors, who hope the “hidden gem” of Renfrewshire will get the attention it deserves.

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Councillor Emma Rodden told The Gazette: “There is so much pride in the village.

“Although I was delighted to hear the news, you only have to go to Lochwinnoch to see the wonderful countryside and all the possibilities the village has.

“There is so much fresh produce on offer and it is only a stone’s throw away from Glasgow.

The Gazette: Cllr Emma Rodden Cllr Emma Rodden

“It is so quaint and has such a vibrant atmosphere.”

Researchers analysed a range of lifestyle and environmental measures to identify neighbourhoods across Britain that are healthy and those that are unhealthy.

The Gazette: Lochwinnoch Parish Church Lochwinnoch Parish Church

These included levels of air pollution, access to amenities such as takeaways and pubs and proximity to recreational spaces and health services.

Scottish towns and villages dominate the list of the healthiest areas in Britain, occupying eight out of the top 10 places.

Great Torrington, in Devon, topped the list, with Lochwinnoch in second place, followed by Fauldhouse, in West Lothian, in third spot and Foxbar in fourth position.

Glenboig and Kilsyth, both in Lanarkshire, Ballingry and Kinghorn, both in Fife, and Coupar Angus, in Perthshire, also made the top 10.

Councillor Andy Doig, who also represents Lochwinnoch, said: “I think all the villages in my ward are healthy.

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“I’m lucky to represent an extremely diverse ward, with a bustling town centre in Johnstone and three villages that have a really high quality of life.

“Lochwinnoch will be up there because of it’s proximity to Clyde Muirshiel Park and Castle Semple.

“There’s a lot of walking areas. The people could certainly do with better public transport and there’s always room for improvement in various ways but the quality of life is high.”

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