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The town was praised for its scenery and easy access to walks(Image: Marc Guitard / Getty Images)
From the Borders to the Highlands and Islands, Scotland has so many amazing destinations that it is impossible to visit them all. Whether you are deciding where to settle down or looking for a staycation spot, the huge amount of options can be overwhelming.
For those stuck on where to head, a list of the top settlements in Scotland was recently shared by Muddy Stilettos. While the round-up is focused on places to live, it is also a great holiday guide.
As reported by the Daily Record, among the locations singled out was Milngavie in Greater Glasgow. Located in East Dunbartonshire, the suburb is situated around six miles from the centre of Scotland’s largest city.
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The town was praised by the experts for its mix of small-town charm and big-city atmosphere. It was also noted for its easy access to picturesque walks, being the starting point of the West Highland Way scenic walking route.
The charming town is also home to a range of shops, including the popular Daydreams Bookshop. Meanwhile, top food spots around Milngavie include modern chic Italian eatery Andiamo, the friendly Cafe Alba, and Fullbacks Pizza Bar.
Muddy Stilettos wrote: “Village charm meets city cool, Milngavie balances both. Think leafy walks, indie shops and a buzzing food scene with Glasgow’s culture just 20 minutes away.”
Milngavie was described as “village charm meets city cool”(Image: Mystockimages / Getty Images)
The experts added: “Glasgow may not have the obvious tourist charms of its rival capital city to the east, but it is seriously cool. Lively, with unrivalled shopping, world-class museums, an art school cultural edge and a quick sense of humour (Billy Connolly and Kevin Bridges hail from here), sometimes it feels like everyone is moving to the city, and this is a great time to join them.
“Currently marking its 850th birthday, the celebrations will last throughout 2025 and will continue when the city hosts the XXIII Commonwealth Games in summer 2026.
“Want all of this with a side of rural life? Milngavie is a suburb neighbouring Bearsden to the north and we think it hits the perfect sweet spot—easy access to the countryside and a village feel, but within spitting distance of all that city action. Perfecto.”
In terms of places to stay in Milngavie, there are many different options. From glamping pods to traditional hotels, there are plenty of choices when it comes to accommodation.
The glamping pods can be found in the nearby Mugdock Country Park. An overnight stay for two people can be booked for £220 through Booking.com.
The pods offer apartment-style accommodation, with each unit featuring a kitchenette, a private bathroom, a dining table, a sofa bed, and a seating area. Other amenities include a refrigerator, a microwave, an oven, a TV, and free Wi-Fi.
Milngavie glamping pods(Image: Booking.com)
On Booking.com, the Milngavie glamping pods have an overall rating of 9.4 out of 10 based on 187 reviews. Positive feedback has described the accommodation as “absolutely fantastic” and “relaxing”, though another visitor noted that they “didn’t really get a homely and relaxed feel”.
Elsewhere, a pair of flats in Milngavie that sleep up to four guests each can currently be booked through Airbnb. The accommodation is available for £339 for two nights.
A pair of flats in Milngavie can be booked out for a holiday(Image: Airbnb)
Both of the two flats, which can be booked individually, are situated in the heart of Milngavie. They include a mix of traditional and modern features, and are located 50 metres from the start of the West Highland Way.
On Airbnb, the accommodation has earned an overall rating of 4.93 out of five based on 299 reviews. Recent visitors have described the flat as “wonderful” and “super clean”, while another claimed it is “slightly overpriced”.
The full list of the best places to live in Scotland in 2026 can be found on the Muddy Stilettos website.