Family-friendly Edinburgh: 3 reasons why you should consider moving your family to Edinburgh

People have flocked to London in search of employment opportunities and spurred by dreams of a better life since the days of Dick Whittington.

And modern multicultural London is still a magnet for many — but if you’re looking for a place to settle down, Scottish capital Edinburgh might be a better option.

According to a recent Royal Mail survey based on criteria like employment, green spaces, education and healthcare, it’s Britain’s best place to live and work in.

 

So here are three reasons Edinburgh’s a family-friendly city.

Education

Access to good educational opportunities is important for families — whether you’re concerned about kids’ schools or interested in continuing adult education.

Finding a good state school in Edinburgh isn’t too tricky — publicly-funded Broughton High School was named Scotland’s best by Tatler magazine in 2016 and standards elsewhere across the city are generally good.

Alternatively, George Heriot’s school is an excellent choice for private education and also offers bursaries to help students from varied backgrounds study in its hallowed halls.

The University of Edinburgh’s Centre for Open Learning also offers part-time and short courses for adults invested in lifelong learning.

Health

Healthcare provision is the top priority for many families when they’re considering a move and access to public and private options in Edinburgh is fairly open.

For instance, the Daily Mail ranks Professor Alan McNeill as one of Britain’s best urologists — and the specialist surgeon offers his services to NHS patients at the Western General Hospital as well as private clients at Spire Edinburgh Hospitals Murrayfield.

Meanwhile, Edinburgh’s community healthcare is also highly-praised — pharmacist Sally Arnison from Barnton Pharmacy was awarded an MBE this year for assisting locals with everything from hearing checks to weight loss services.

And reliable paediatric care is also on offer from the renowned Royal Hospital for Sick Children, which will operate from a new high-tech campus from autumn 2018.

Sourcing your nearest GP practice in Edinburgh is a good start for new arrivals — search by residential postcode on the NHS24 website.

Transport

Getting around the city is child’s play thanks to regular Lothian Buses and the reinstated tram service offers an alternative route around the city and out to the airport.

If you’re setting off on holiday, locating convenient parking at Edinburgh airport is simple — there’s a mix of options offered by the airport itself or neighbouring private operators.

The city’s air travel hub is Scotland’s busiest, so you’ll have no problem taking a business trip to London or setting off for a family break in Nice or New York.

And Edinburgh’s also a popular place for bicycle commuters — campaign group Spokes reported that in 2017, bikes accounted for 1 in 4 vehicles heading into the city centre each day.

So there are three reasons Edinburgh’s a family-friendly city — but when you add the cultural attractions of its international arts festival, cosy Christmas market and lively New Year’s Eve party, it’s hard to beat.

Have you moved to Edinburgh? Share your thoughts in the comments section.