Where to move to in Scotland

[tartankween]

Hi, we will be looking to relocate to Scotland end 2024. We have shortlisted these areas as possible places to settle and would appreciate any feedback if you live here with secondary-aged children attending public school. A bit about us:

We work fully remote so dont need to commute.
Renting at first but then will purchase after a year so have to consider a place where we can find a rental but also can buy eventually (rental budget £1800 and purchase budget £400k - 3/4 bedroom - any property type except a flat)
Our daughter (11) is big into the arts (singing, fine art, drama) and son (5) is big into sport (golf, cricket, football) ie we at least need access to some parks so he can swing a bat or so.
Our son is currently doing Occupational Therapy for hand dominance so may need a bit of extra support learning to write.
We have no hobbies because we are always exhausted lol but we do like a bit of shopping (including thrift shopping), golf, hiking, and eating out at restaurants/cafes.
We are suburb people and have no preference when it comes to old-school charm/new builds. Either or will work for us so long as the area has a good reputation and is clean.
Welcoming community.
Good public secondary school (doesn't have to be the best in the league table but good teachers and modern/clean facilities. Our daughter is an exceptional academic and we are confident that she will make the most of the opportunities presented to her and do her school proud).

Ok areas of interest:
Bearsden (not the poshest parts of course but have seen houses within our budget)
Kirkintilloch
Bishopbriggs
Dunfermline
Livingston
Stirling
Perth
Anywhere that deserves an honourable mention that I have missed?

We are of course aware of Linlithgow and North Berwick (as well as Midlothian) but don't think our budget will get us there.

Any kind and positive feedback about your own experience is appreciated.

Kirkintilloch is fine, some bits aren't very pretty but in general it's no worse than other "fancier" places.

Little bit limited on sports club options - but close enough to other places and good road communications, much better than Bearsden IMO.

There are some posh bits that are technically Kirkintilloch rather than Lenzie, most but not all have Lenzie Academy as the catchment school, but there are more "nice" new builds than places at Lenzie Academy so Kirky High is on the up. It's also smaller than most secondaries so results fluctuate more but they have a reputation for being a bit more nurturing.

St Ninian's (Catholic catchment school) has a decent reputation.

Bearsden would probably suit better if (a) can afford it and (b) like more urban suburbia, Kirkintilloch suits us as it's cheaper and there's more sense of space. But we've come from smaller towns where driving for "stuff" is normal (around about 20 minutes for common activities).

Typical Lenzie snobbery!

kirkintilloch has nice parts too, just like any other area.

Very true, they do vary! And sometimes change, and have good and bad aspects to all of them.

Add Pollokshields, Newlands, Strathbungo and Shawlands to your list. They're sort of inner city leafy suburbs of Glasgow and have many of the attributes that you are looking for - coffee shops (especially Shawlands), thrift shops, golf courses....

Good access to the motorway network to go north or south to go hiking.

Shawlands Academy is a good school which encourages both academic, artistic and sporting prowess.

Clydesdale Cricket Club is an active cricket club in Pollokshields. There's also a rugby club (Cartha Queens Park) with an active Junior section (including for girls).

As an education academic, I would second @nmchg - East Ren is the place to go for leafy suburban life, access to Glasgow, and top quality schools. I don't live there myself, but all the indicators point there if you want a lovely middle class environment in which to bring up your family.

The school was terrible for Dd admittedly, but I hear it's improved, Helensburgh does have Lomond school as a private option though, and St Pat's in Dumbarton.
I got Dd out of Hermitage and got her into Hyndland which I can't praise enough.

Dunfermline definitely fits your requirements, we've recently moved here from SE England and are loving it. Everyone is so friendly, the schools are good, and we got a gorgeous 5 bed new build for 350k in a lovely area (Duluth Park)

@TastesLikeStrawberriesOnASummerEvening it has improved after a few years of bad results after Cirr of excellence introduced. Current academic results are much better than St Pat's but general ethos ???? Pastoral care ???

The pastoral care was terrible when Dd was there, it was just a dreadful school.
I've heard it's better now, I hope so as there's very little choice here.

Have you considered Ratho on the outskirts Of Edinburgh and Westlothian ?

https://www.zoopla.co.uk/for-sale/property/ratho/
Beautiful village with lots of green spaces