Smallest Cities in Scotland

Top 100 cities ranked by smallest cities

Best Cities For...

Composite rankings combining multiple weighted metrics, 5 topics across U.S. Census, FBI, NOAA and CDC data.

Best Cities for Retirees
Low crime, warm climate, affordable cost of living and strong healthcare access.
Best Cities for Remote Workers
Strong broadband, affordable rent, low traffic and existing remote-work culture.
Best Cities for Families
Strong schools, low crime, affordable homes and family-friendly commutes.
Best Cities for Young Professionals
High incomes, educated peers, transit access and an under-35 demographic.
Most Affordable Cities
The lowest cost of living across home prices, rent, services and rent burden.
Population & Density
Largest Cities Smallest Cities Most Dense Least Dense
Climate & Air
Warmest Cities Coldest Cities Rainiest Cities Driest Cities Snowiest Cities
Geography & Infrastructure
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All Countries  ·  United Kingdom  ·  Scotland

Smallest Cities - Scotland

1 Scone 5,050
2 Isle of Arran 5,058
3 Stornoway 5,070
4 Auchterarder 5,120
5 Kinross 5,120
6 Holytown 5,160
7 Neilston 5,170
8 Bonnybridge 5,210
9 East Calder 5,260
10 Polmont 5,320
11 Elderslie 5,330
12 Bishopton 5,330
13 Dalry 5,360
14 Bridge of Allan 5,380
15 Cardenden 5,420
16 Dingwall 5,470
17 Cockenzie 5,470
18 Newmains 5,480
19 Stonehouse 5,500
20 Blackburn 5,550
21 Selkirk 5,580
22 New Stevenston 5,660
23 Ballingry 5,740
24 Alness 5,800
25 Locharbriggs 5,830
26 Balerno 6,000
27 Beith 6,040
28 Balloch 6,050
29 Kirriemuir 6,120
30 Dyce 6,190
31 Sauchie 6,310
32 Newarthill 6,360
33 Houston 6,360
34 Uddingston 6,370
35 Bothwell 6,380
36 Loanhead 6,440
37 Girvan 6,450
38 Currie 6,500
39 Burntisland 6,590
40 Chapelhall 6,690
41 Kelty 6,730
42 Bannockburn 6,840
43 Alexandria 6,860
44 Lerwick 6,880
45 Duntocher 6,880
46 Moodiesburn 6,890
47 Kelso 6,910
48 Wick 7,030
49 Gorebridge 7,160
50 Isle of Bute 7,228
51 Lochgelly 7,320
52 Kilbirnie 7,340
53 Strathaven 7,350
54 Brechin 7,400
55 Stewarton 7,420
56 Kirkwall 7,420
57 Crieff 7,430
58 Stepps 7,450
59 Banchory 7,560
60 Thurso 7,610
61 Colinton 7,637
62 Cove 7,740
63 Dunoon 7,830
64 North Berwick 7,840
65 Lossiemouth 7,870
66 Lenzie 8,070
67 Monifieth 8,110
68 Denny 8,300
69 Oban 8,490
70 Shotts 8,570
71 Tullibody 8,580
72 Linwood 8,600
73 Buckie 8,760
74 Annan 8,780
75 Cumnock 8,830
76 Dalmuir 8,933
77 Peebles 8,940
78 Cupar 9,020
79 Blairgowrie and Rattray 9,020
80 Dunbar 9,030
81 Leven 9,040
82 Lanark 9,050
83 Bonhill 9,050
84 Portlethen 9,090
85 Haddington 9,130
86 Stevenston 9,230
87 Queensferry 9,350
88 Dunblane 9,410
89 Stenhousemuir 9,740
90 Clarkston 9,860
91 Nairn 10,022
92 Dalgety Bay 10,050
93 Kilsyth 10,080
94 Forres 10,100
95 Fort William 10,175
96 Ellon 10,200
97 Stranraer 10,320
98 Gourock 10,350
99 Prestonpans 10,410
100 Ardrossan 10,670

The smallest cities in Scotland (with populations above 5,000) offer a different quality of life compared to major metropolitan areas. Scone has a population of just 5,050. These communities often feature lower costs of living, stronger neighborhood connections, and less congestion.

Small cities can offer significant advantages for residents seeking affordable housing, shorter commutes, and a close-knit community feel. Many serve as regional centers for surrounding rural areas, providing essential services while maintaining a small-town atmosphere.

Despite their smaller size, many of these cities have thriving local economies, good school systems, and access to outdoor recreation. They represent an alternative to the fast-paced lifestyle of major metropolitan areas.

Did You Know?

  • 1. At 5,050 residents, Scone is smaller than a single large apartment complex in New York City.
  • 2. Small cities (5,000-10,000) make up the majority of incorporated places in the United States.
  • 3. Many of the smallest cities serve as county seats or regional service centers for surrounding rural communities.

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