Best of the Best: Towns

And your top town is...

NORTH BERWICK, East Lothian: Stays top thanks to a glowing letter by J Talbot, a former resident of NB who now lives in Duns. The praise is fulsome and includes this: "Seabird Centre with the best view of the sea in East Lothian, Tantallon Castle to the east, Dirleton Castle to the west and the lodge grounds with the exciting new children's play area and new aviary. Three ladieswear shops, including one designer fashion shop; top marks for Andersons Butchers; Bella Italia, our grandson's favourite restaurant; secret beach near Tantallon Castle – not mentioning the name as we would like to keep it a secret. North Berwick In Bloomers spend their whole year raising plants and shrubs to enter the Scotland in Bloom competition – with great success. Natural children's pool on east bay beach, tennis courts renewed recently; ever-popular pitch-and-putt on Elcho Green" – and so it goes on. Paul MacMichael is one of the other many, many fans.

NAIRN: Nudged down the list by Stonehaven last time, but back up thanks to a few new recommenders, plus G from Dundee adding to his previous praise: "As well as great beaches, golf courses, cake shop, parks, etc… Nairn also has great views, fantastic walks, access to the fantastic moorland, is close to Cawdor Castle, Culloden, Inverness etc and with great wildlife… perfect." Recommended previously in a wide range of categories.

DUNBAR, East Lothian: Moving on up again, thanks to new support from fans including Brian Cox from Edinburgh: "May I recommend Dunbar for its superb setting, cliffs, beaches, ancient harbours, John Muir Country Park and golf courses. For its community spirit, seafaring tradition and pride in its lifeboat. For its good restaurants and cafes at all price levels. For its sense of history – Medieval street pattern, 17th-century Town House and former stately home at the end of the High Street. For its kind and friendly people with no airs and graces." Winifred Sillitto is another recent Dunbar supporter, who also praised the town's powerful community spirit.

DUNKELD, Perthshire: Blasts of recent recommendations in recent times, but nothing new in the last fortnight, so it is superseded by Nairn and Dunbar. Elaine Rice of Northern Ireland said: "The beauty of the town and its surroundings never fails to surprise me. To me it really is Scotland in miniature. Each time I leave I can't wait to come back." Praised in the past for its cathedral, walks, toilets, farm shops and as a place to skim stones and see ospreys.

STONEHAVEN: In with a bullet last time, but slipping after a lack of new support. Lots of past praise from Robert Ritchie and Steve Evans of Malta, who said this: "Has some great restaurants, pubs and a great and atmospheric castle nearby (Dunnottar)." Kevin Hutchens, who lives there, says: "Gets my first vote every time with beautiful cliffs, promenade and great cafes such as Molly Gunnings. The people are great as well, friendly to all visitors." Alan Nairn chipped in with this: "I love Stonehaven – it has the Carron Restaurant, a great Art Deco marvel; the beach is nice for a walk – a minute from the town centre; there is the Fowlsheugh Nature Reserve on the doorstep and heated open-air swimming pool in summer – a little oasis."

MOFFAT, Dumfriesshire: Carol Moffat praised Cafe Ariete, adding to recommendations in a host of categories including best shop, garden, waterfall, fountain, Victorian spa town, boating pond, sweet shop and more. Once No 1 on our list but could drop out altogether without new fans.