SCOTLAND'S 2006 PROPERTY HOTSPOTS
(1 January 2006)

Knight Frank, the UK's leading property expert, is predicting the top five Scottish locations for property sales and highest price rises this year, outside of Glasgow and Edinburgh's city centres will be Midlothian, Perthshire, East Lothian, Fife and South Glasgow. Based on sales figures for 2005 and the respective indicative trends from these, the above areas are currently looking like Scotland's most sought after locations for buying properties in the mid to top-end of the market, this year.

John Coleman, Partner for Knight Frank in Scotland comments: "Whilst we enjoyed a buoyant market for mid to top-end Scottish properties throughout 2005, this was more so for 'trophy' properties such as castles, mansions, sporting estates and second homes. This year we predict continued high-demand for this calibre of property, as supply remains insufficient to satisfy the growing demand.

"However this year, finding suitable, good quality houses within commutable distance will be a strong driving force behind continued price increases which is why we believe Midlothian, Perthshire, East Lothian, Fife and South Glasgow will all experience encouraging price growth throughout 2006."

MIDLOTHIAN

Knight Frank predicts that this region will experience the highest price increases in Scotland of up to 12% within the forthcoming year. Midlothian has been earmarked for substantial house price increases, as it still provides good value for money and is close and well-connected for travel to Edinburgh. Also, with the proposed, reinstated railway line from the Borders to Edinburgh's Waverly and the Capital's airport - parts of Midlothian like Eskbank will experience increased demand for quality housing as buyers can enjoy the benefits of a more rural location, yet only a short distance from Edinburgh's city centre.

PERTHSHIRE

Knight Frank predicts price growth of up to 10% for Perthshire properties. This in part, can be explained by the area's beautiful yet diverse countryside, good private and public schooling and the accessible transport links to Edinburgh and Glasgow by train, road or bus which can be reached in approximately one hour together with both cities' International airports.

EAST LOTHIAN

This region boasts one of the most popular coastlines in Scotland which proves to be a major selling point, particularly when buying a country home. Knight Frank predicts a price growth of up to 10% in East Lothian during 2006. The great combination of coast and countryside, proximity to Edinburgh together with rail and road links along Scotland and England's East coast, for travel to London and other major cities in England - make East Lothian another hotspot for this year. People are also buying here for the quality of life with award-winning beaches, some of the world's finest selection of links golf courses and grouse moors.

FIFE

Fife will also experience a price growth of around 8-10% according to Knight Frank and is being pinpointed as one of the top five locations to buy in this year. Buyers are being lured here, again because of the quality of life available and being able to purchase a larger property for better value for money and with several acres of land. The region provides spectacular coastlines, over 40 golf courses, including the famous Old Course and the university town of St Andrew's, which offers good shopping, an eclectic mix of restaurants, cafes and bars.

SOUTH GLASGOW

Knight Frank has predicted that the south of Glasgow will experience a price growth of around 8-10% in 2006. This is partly due to the improved travel links, with the extension of the M77 and construction of the Glasgow Southern Orbital (GSO), which were projects completed last year. The extended M77 together with the Glasgow Southern Orbital provides a major link between Lanarkshire, East Renfrewshire and Ayrshire, particularly benefiting areas such as Clarkston, Busby and Newton Mearns. The GSO also makes travel from the south of Glasgow to East Kilbride and then onto Carlisle a quicker and easier road journey. Commuters from this area can also benefit from good rail and bus links into the city centre and Glasgow Airport is very close by. The range of good private and public schools, quality Victorian properties with excellent shopping, restaurants and bars, on a par with those in the city's West End, is fuelling demand for properties here.

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