WITH its wide-open countryside, strong community spirit and lower crime rates, it is no wonder increasing numbers of people are setting up home in rural Scotland.
A new publication shows that the population in the country's 'accessible rural' areas increased by 15.6 per cent between 2001 and 2013, compared to 3.7 per cent in non-rural areas of Scotland.
The report also reveals that people living in the countryside are more likely to describe their neighbourhood as a 'very good' place to live, with 73 per cent of people in remote rural locations saying so, compared to 67 per cent in accessible rural areas and 53 per cent in the rest of Scotland.
This positive outlook has been linked to households having a generally higher income, more people being willing to volunteer to help their community and lower crime rates, as well as a longer life expectancy.
However, it is not all good news for rural dwellers as there are also some downsides to countryside living, including higher house prices and fuel costs and problems with public transport.
The Scottish Government publication states: "Fewer residents experience neighbourhood problems (e.g. litter, graffiti) and more residents feel they belong to their immediate neighbourhood.
"In addition, more people volunteer in the community. Crime is less prevalent than in the rest of Scotland and more people feel 'very safe' when home alone at night.
"However, in terms of travel and access to services, more people in rural areas are outwith a reasonable drive time to key services (e.g. GPs and shops) compared to the rest of Scotland and fewer people are satisfied with the quality of the public transport services delivered.
"Residents of rural Scotland spend more a month on fuel for cars, with over 60 per cent of residents reporting to spend over £100 a month in 2013, compared to 47 per cent in the rest of Scotland."
Dr Michael Foxley, the former leader of Highland Council, who lives near Ardgour, Lochaber, said there are many benefits to living in a rural location, but warned they come at a price.
He said: "I've always wanted to live here, it's a great place to live and a superb place to bring up a family.
"If you live in the countryside you're much more likely to be physically active. Where we live you just step out your door and you can be walking up a hill or or along a loch.
"There's also still a really strong sense of community and there's a lot of space."
However, the doctor added that the cost of housing and transport are becoming increasing problems in the area.
He said: "It's a real pleasure living in a rural area and that means a lot of people want to come here to live.
"But if you sell your house in London for £2 million or £3m then you can afford to outbid anybody living locally. Few local people can afford a house.
"It's also absolutely rudimentary that you have a car. In fact where I live, every family has two cars. If they are working they need two cars to get them to and from work and their children out to school and all their social activities.
"The bus only comes four times a day and quite often if you're working it's just not suitable."
He said this was leaving many locals living in fuel poverty - a claim backed by the report which shows the proportion of households in remote rural Scotland classed as extremely 'fuel poor' is more than double that of the rest of the country.
Jon Haylett, of Kilchoan village on the Ardnamurchan peninsula, said locals often have to pay higher prices for petrol and diesel, as well as coal and gas deliveries. They also pay a surcharge on their electricity.
The 70-year-old retired teacher also claimed there are issues with healthcare provision but said that overall he felt lucky to live where he does.
He said: "The reason we live here is largely to do with the beauty of the surroundings and our quality of life we have.
"We can walk every day and we live in a small community which we very much enjoy, full of lovely people.
"We consider ourselves extremely fortunate to live in a cohesive community in one of the most beautiful places in the world."
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