Well I suppose I'm going to say what I've done, as we love the output lol!
Dd1 born in the Outer Hebrides, went to nursery (Croiligean) there then started school and did p1 there in Gaelic school.
Ds born there, did a year of Croiligean until age 4.5
Dd2 born away (due to my illness) but brought up there until age 2.7, loved toddlers group.
We moved to Glasgow - it was a hard decision, but I was isolated after all this time, dh was having massive issues at work, so we took the plunge and moved to Glasgow - dh and I went to theology college, spent our savings!! I did some tutoring, he did nights/weekends o/c till he got a steady job.
Dc had a nanny for a while, then moved to childminder as they got olde
We still have our house in the Hebrides, we rent it out to tourists and go and stay when we can.
I'd say there's nothing to beat the outdoors and simplicity of the Scottish islands when dc are young, but as they get older and need more to do, living in a township of 4 houses where the next youngest person is your mum isn't really going to help.
We moved to the city where they swim, each play 2 instruments, each go to guiding/scouting activities. And dh is less stressed too. And I can get work here that I just couldn't there.
But we all love our old home - we're very lucky to keep it. I've got a cross stitch I made by my bed :
From the lone shilling of the misty island
Mountains part us, and a waste of seas.
But our hearts are true, and our hearts are highland,
And we, in dreams, behold the Hebrides.
I'm very sure one day, we'll go back! Neither of us born there, but it will always be home.