Try a new start in Dingwall, north-east Scotland

What they said about Dingwall "The Viking capital of Scotland." Visitors' website. "Great shops, good transport and a community spirit - everybody is made welcome." Dingwall councillor Margaret Patterson.

Population 5,010.

Local politics Highland council, a unitary authority with a majority made up of independent councillors, covers Dingwall. Its two local councillors are Labour and Scottish National party. It has a Highland council area committee governing services in the town as part of devolved local government.

MP Former Liberal Democrat leader Charles Kennedy.

Local authority Highland council, in Inverness 12 miles away, is the biggest local employer with 12,845 staff. All council departments, employing some 450 staff, have offices in Dingwall.

Job prospects Highland council has introduced a fast-track professional training programme for social workers. Vertex, a private company providing administrative and customer management services for Westminster city council is relocating 400 administrative staff providing parking, library, waste management and community protection services. The company already has facilities in Dingwall.

Health service Dingwall's community hospital has 17 GP-managed beds and an outpatients' department run by visiting consultants. The district's rheumatology unit is at the Ross Memorial hospital. It has an integrated nurse and allied health professional team and an integrated health and social care team for people with learning disabilities.

Environment/regeneration Dingwall is home to the Cromarty Firth, a natural harbour that has received international recognition for its bird life and natural habitat. The town is continuing to expand and plans are under way to build 500 homes, both private and social housing.

Voluntary sector There are 27 local charities; 31 Scottish and seven international charities, with a combined income of £2.5m.

Commuter links Inverness is 20 minutes by train or 30 minutes by bus. Flights from Inverness to London, around 90 minutes.

Property prices Two-bedroom flat: £75k-£85k; three-bedroom semi: £110k-£115k (ex-council), £119k-£145k (other); four-bedroom semi: £219k-£250k.