I don't know how you manage to be parochial and metropoloitan at the same time, but some of you manage it.

I live about 12 miles from Dumfries and would not move from here for a gold pig.

If you regard Tesco as the epitome of civilisation, then yes there is a large Tesco in Dumfries and a smaller one being built in Castle Douglas which is close to the village where I live.

Castle Douglas also has four independent quality butchers which is probably more than most other british cities.

There is a Michelin starred restaurant about 10 minutes from here where you can get dinner for two and a bottle of wine for around a hundred quid. (that's for two, not each).

The village I live in has a shop, pub, bus service, church and zero recorded crime in the 9 years.

There is no snow (we are on the Gulf Stream), cracking countryside, friendly locals, no traffic jams, cheap golf... I could go on.

It is a bit of a drag to GLA, but last night I recorded 4 hours and 30 minutes from having dinner in Joe Allens just off the Strand to walking in my front door. I know people who live in Amersham who have taken longer to get home.

If tristan727 wants to PM me, I'm happy to give advice on places to look for etc.