AN area of Glasgow has been named as one of the top ten places to live in Scotland.

Finnieston is the only place in Glasgow to make the list by The Sunday Times, that looks at a range of factors, from employment, schools and broadband speed to culture, community spirit and local shops, in order to compile the definitive top locations to live.

The area, which was dubbed ‘the hippest place in Britain’ in 2016, is now listed among top destinations to live, along with the likes of Dundee and Leith, despite being significantly smaller in size.

Finnieston’s popularity has been growing for over a decade and shows no signs of slowing down.

In 2011, the Finnieston & Kelvinhaugh area was home to around 6,900 people - by 2014, the figure was just over 7,500 and by 2017 (the latest available figure) just under 9,500.

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Only a stone’s throw away from some of Glasgow’s main attractions like Kelvingrove Park and only a half an hour walk to Glasgow Central, Finnieston is also within commuting distance of five of the main academic institutions, making it a popular temporary home for students.

Nearby schools including the Glasgow Gaelic School, Hyndland Secondary and Notre Dame were all listed as the top in the city based on exam results - a major selling point for young families.

Yorkhill and Kelvingrove Community Council are working to make sure the area has a permanent residents.

The local group have been vocal about the need to invest in adequate social housing in order to attract couples and families - rather than focusing primarily on purpose-built student accommodation. They regularly hold public events to bring the community together.

Lee Grant, secretary of the Yorkhill and Kelvingrove Community Council, said: “Finnieston, Yorkhill and Kelvingrove together are a strong local community that takes a keen interest in preserving its green spaces and fighting to have homes for residents.

“ We must also celebrate the efforts of the many numerous independent businesses which now call our streets home.

“Our Cycling Village proposal will help keep Finnieston in the top ten along with Yorkhill and Kelvingrove by creating Scotland’s first accessible community for all. With improved footways, crossing points, segregated cycle lanes, improved public realm with seating, planting and murals there will be no where better to move around or live in Scotland.”

Philip Braat, local councillor for Finnieston, said: “This recognition comes amongst many others for the City of Glasgow – including most recently being the best UK city for Millennials.

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“Finnieston is an excellent example of this – being home to a vibrant café and bar culture, as well as being part of Glasgow’s thriving knowledge economy. This recognition comes as a result of decades of leadership – investing in growing our economy and investing in Glasgow’s people. Finnieston has the added advantage of having five world leading academic institutions within commuting distance, as well as some of the UK’s premier music and events venues on its doorstep.”

Councillor Angus Millar, added: “The diversity of local businesses, especially world-class restaurants, bars and cafes, has really put Finnieston on the map and it’s no wonder so many people want to have that on their doorstep. It’s also in a brilliant location between the city centre and the west end, and with easy access to Kelvingrove Park and other green spaces.

“One of the best things about the area is the real mix of people in the local community, from long-standing residents to younger students and professionals, and it’s also great to see more and more people choosing to raise families in the city centre and in Finnieston. I think it’s an area that’s only going to get more and more popular.”

Council bosses attribute the success to the opening of the SSE Hydro and investment in the public and private sectors.

A spokesman for Glasgow City Council, commented: "The regeneration of Finnieston in recent years has been a remarkable success story for Glasgow, with the neighbourhood now one of the most vibrant in the city. Finnieston is not only a great destination for people looking to shop, eat, drink, or make a cultural visit, but is recognised nationally and internationally as a place transformed through investment by the public and private sectors.

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"The attractions of areas like Finnieston are a part of why Glasgow is consistently listed in global tourist lists as a must-see city.”