Capital beats Europe's best to be crowned City of Year

Well, it's not a patch on life in Edinburgh, according to an internationally respected arbiter of city life.

Edinburgh has been named the European City of the Year after judges decided its culture, beauty, facilities and general quality of life was second to none.

The Capital beat off competition from London and Dublin which also made it on to the shortlist at the awards, dubbed the "urban Oscars".

Judges from the London-based Academy of Urbanism - an independent foundation set up to promote debate about ways of improving city life - were impressed by the balance between old and new in Edinburgh.

After visiting the Capital, they the way it has preserved its historic heritage, while allowing new, but sympathetic, developments.

The city's striking skyline and the way it has been protected from ugly modern developments repeatedly caught their eye.

Edinburgh was judged to be an "attractive, safe and enticing place for people to play, visit and enjoy".

They also acknowledged the leadership of the council, particularly praising the appointment of Sir Terry Farrell, as the first design champion hired by any UK city.

First Minister Jack McConnell was among the first to offer his congratulations after the city carried away the top honour at a ceremony at the Dorchester Hotel in London last night.

He said: "This prestigious award proves the city is a great place to live, work and visit."

Edinburgh follows last year's winner Copenhagen as the Academy's second-ever recipient of the top prize.

City planning leader Cllr Trevor Davies, who is a member of the academy, attended the London bash to pick up the award.

He said: "This says that Edinburgh is a great place in Europe to live. Personally, I think it says that we are doing the right things - in thinking about design and quality and appointing Sir Terry Farrell as our design champion.

"This is acknowledgement of all we are doing and it's great news for the city. These awards are not about architecture. It recognises how we care for our heritage. We also have a wonderful city to walk around safely and great public spaces to relax in.

"As an academy member I got to vote and, I have to confess, I voted for Edinburgh."

The Academy of Urbanism was set up two years ago to encourage debate about city life between architects and planners and the wider public. It has around 100 members, including architects, property agents and representatives of councils and development agencies, as well as environmentally-friendly.

Its charter sets out its aims of encouraging all those involved in building and running cities to make them user-friendly, attractive and well-maintained.

Lord Provost Leslie Hinds said: "It's great for Edinburgh to have won this prestigious award which recognises both the city's urban design and the careful way our heritage is maintained. New buildings and environments are being created in the city in places like our gap sites, but that has been developed with our historic settings and architecture in mind."

Is Edinburgh the best city in Europe?

David Poole, 75, retired engineer, Mayfield Road: "I think Edinburgh is a pretty good place to live. It is a nice place. I have never been to Dublin, so I don't know if we are better than that, but I've been to London and I think it is far too busy and overcrowded. Edinburgh is a lot better."

Claire Marley, 34, nursery nurse, Colinton Road: "That is a great title. I love Edinburgh. If it has been voted as the best city, then it must be. It is a growing city and is really becoming bigger and bigger in Europe, so I think this is great. I think we are better than London as it is much friendlier here."

Cameron Pammenter, 60, civil servant, Cottage Park: "I have been to a few places and I would not say Edinburgh is the best place in Europe. I would probably plump for Paris for that. But I do think it is a better city than London. I have never been to Dublin. I think Edinburgh is a good city because it has the open spaces, lots of attractions and night life. Something for everyone."