The Scottish accents named the most and least ‘desirable’ – see full ranking

A regional Scottish accent has been named the “most desirable” in the country.

Scotland is famous across the world for its accent, thanks to films such as Shrek and Braveheart. Those of us who live here, though, know that there are a wide range of distinct dialects found all over the country.

New research conducted by online language platform Preply has revealed which accents are considered the most and least desirable throughout the British Isles. The experts investigated more than 50 accents, evaluating them based on comprehensibility and likability using public surveys and AI technology.

Topping the list for Scotland, and coming in at number three on the overall list, is the Edinburgh accent. The study highlighted specific features of the accent that people find attractive, such as its softly pronounced ‘r’ and distinct ‘ch’ sounds that create a soothing rhythmic quality.

According to the research, the Edinburgh accent is also well-liked for its tendency to be “clear” and “educated-sounding”. However, the study also found that some people consider the accent to sound “too formal”.

The second most desirable in Scotland, and 12th in the British Isles, is the Glaswegian accent. Famous for its guttural quality, rolled ‘r’ sounds, and dropped vowels, its uniqueness was found to be the accent’s top trait.

Generally speaking, Preply states that accents considered attractive are those that have a fluidic rhythm and melodic tone. The ones that embody a unique regional character were also found to be more desirable.

On the other hand, the Hebridean accent was found to be the least attractive in Scotland. Coming in at number 41 for the British Isles, the accent is known for its strong ‘r’ and broad ‘i’ sounds.

The Hebridean accent is common in Scotland’s Western Isles such as Lewis and Harris. According to the experts, its low placement is due to the fact that many people find it “difficult to understand”.

In general, Preply found that accents that are generally challenging to understand due to strong linguistic traits are considered undesirable. Those that are strongly associated with negative stereotypes are also unattractive, according to the specialists.

More information can be found on the Preply website.

Most to least desirable accents in British Isles

1. Southern Irish
2. Queen’s English / Received Pronunciation
3. Edinburgh
4. Geordie
5. Mancunian
6. Yorkshire
7. Cockney
8. Essex
9. Scouse
10. Cardiff
11. Northern Irish
12. Glaswegian
13. Lancashire
14. Sheffield
15. Estuary English
16. Norfolk
17. Kentish
18. Highlands
19. Somerset
20. Durham
21. Brummie
22. Wolverhampton
23. Bristolian
24. West Country
25. Cornish
26. Salford
27. Leicester
28. Hampshire
29. Devon
30. Coventry
31. Nottingham
32. Bolton
33. Preston
34. Crawley
35. Norwich
36. Sunderland
37. Bradford
38. Middlesbrough
39. Northumberland
40. Stoke-on-Trent
41. Hebridean
42. Multicultural London English (MLE)
43. Gloucestershire
44. Cheshire
45. Hull City
46. West and South-West Irish
47. Cumbrian
48. Surrey
49. East Anglian
50. Manx

Don’t miss the latest news from around Scotland and beyond – sign up to the Scotland Now newsletter here.