Digital Nomad Life in Scotland

"If you have children, the local primary & secondary school is a great place to meet other parents. Just as in the states, there is a Parent Teacher Association (PTA) that meets regularly. American Women in Aberdeen is also a social/support club that meets in Aberdeen. Aberdeen is approximately 20 minutes from Banchory. Aberdeenshire Council has also been very helpful in providing information on extracurricular activities for children living in the area. Banchory is home to many expats & the locals are very friendly & welcoming," said one expat who made the move to Banchory.

"In comparing life in the suburbs of Houston to Banchory, Scotland, life rolls along at a much slower pace. From what I've experienced, family...mainly children, are the priority. In healthcare an adult appointment can be cancelled because an ill child needs to be seen. Additionally, community activites are available for children to participate in during school holidays," remarked one member in Banchory.

"One way to find a place to live in Scotland is to search online for rental listings. Websites such as Rightmove, Zoopla, and Gumtree are popular resources for finding rental properties in Scotland. Additionally, you can contact local estate agents who specialize in renting out properties in Scotland. You can also look for rental postings in local newspapers and on community notice boards. Finally, you can ask friends and family if they know of any available rental properties in Scotland," explained one expat living in Scotland.

"Don't bring your US car over and be prepared for just how much it really costs to live over here. It is almost 60% higher than the States," remarked one member in Aberdeen.

"Before retiring in Scotland, expats should familiarize themselves with the local culture and customs. They should also research the cost of living in the area they plan to move to, as well as the availability of healthcare and other services. Additionally, expats should consider the climate and weather conditions in Scotland, as well as the local transportation options. It is also important to research the visa and residency requirements for expats in Scotland. Finally, expats should consider the language barrier, as English is the primary language spoken in Scotland," explained one expat living in Scotland.

"Expats in Scotland appreciate the warm hospitality of the locals, the stunning natural beauty of the country, and the vibrant culture of music, art, and literature. They also enjoy the unique cuisine, which includes traditional dishes such as haggis, neeps, and tatties. Additionally, expats appreciate the strong sense of community and the welcoming atmosphere of the cities and towns," remarked one member in Scotland.

"Expats in Scotland may find the local culture challenging due to the strong sense of national identity and the fact that Scots tend to be quite reserved and private. Additionally, the weather can be unpredictable and the language can be difficult to understand, as Scots have their own dialect. Furthermore, the cost of living in Scotland is relatively high, making it difficult for expats to adjust to the local lifestyle," explained one person living in Scotland.

"If you plan to stay in Scotland for a while, you will need to apply for a visa or residence permit. Depending on your nationality, you may need to apply for a Standard Visitor Visa, a Short-Term Study Visa, or a Tier 4 Student Visa. You may also need to apply for a Residence Permit if you plan to stay in Scotland for more than six months. Additionally, you may need to provide proof of your financial means, health insurance, and other documents to support your application," remarked one member in Scotland.

"It is important to be aware of cultural differences when visiting Scotland. It is best to avoid making assumptions about Scottish culture and to be respectful of local customs. It is also important to be aware of the local language and to avoid using slang or colloquialisms that may be unfamiliar to the locals. Additionally, it is important to be aware of the local dress code and to dress appropriately for the occasion. Finally, it is important to be aware of the local drinking culture and to drink responsibly," explained one expat living in Scotland.

"Healthcare services in Scotland are provided by the National Health Service (NHS) Scotland, a publicly funded healthcare system. The NHS Scotland provides a wide range of services, including general practice, hospital care, mental health services, and community health services. The quality of public healthcare in Scotland is generally considered to be good, with a range of services available to meet the needs of the population. Foreign residents in Scotland are eligible to use the NHS Scotland, provided they are legally resident in the country. Expats in Scotland can use the public healthcare system by registering with a local GP and paying the relevant fees," explained one person living in Scotland.

"Some of our fondest memories are from the time we lived in Glasgow. Flights from the east coast of the States are plentiful with nonstop more expensive but cheaper flights to Edinburgh(then a 45 min train) or to Manchester or Liverpool with a short in-country flight to Glasgow. It was easy to travel to mainland Europe with two Glasgow airports. The city is grittier than Edinburgh but also more interesting in my opinion. The Kelvingrove Museum is a mash up of natural history and art and outdoor sculpture. The nearby park has trails that will lead you up for a wonderful view of the city, through to the University of Glasgow campus, or the Great Western Rd with shops, restaurants and the Botanical Gardens. I love the park near the River Clyde with the People's Palace and Winter Gardens.The enormous greenhouse-like Winter Gardens are a great place to spend time with a book and tea in the colder months. Americans will feel at ease in Glasgow with familiar shops like Gap, Urban Outfitters, and of course, Starbucks. And, find a tea room for breakfast lunch, or snack and get scones with clotted cream and jam. Please. The ones in Glasgow are casual and welcoming, not the least bit pretentious. A 25-minute drive north of the city and you are at Loch Lomond. From there the country stretches out with immense mystic beauty and history. Please rent a car once a month and drive to a different small town or island. Just driving past crumbling castles and fields of the greenest green, there is so much to experience. And you must get a photo of a highland cow aka "Heeland Coo"," commented a person living in Glasgow, Scotland.

"Expats and digital nomads living in Scotland appreciate the country's stunning natural beauty, with its rolling hills, lochs, and mountains. They also enjoy the friendly and welcoming people, the vibrant culture, and the excellent quality of life. Additionally, Scotland is known for its excellent education system, making it a great place to raise a family. On the downside, expats and digital nomads may find the weather to be a bit unpredictable, with cold winters and wet summers. Additionally, the cost of living in Scotland can be quite high, especially in the larger cities," explained one digital nomad living in Scotland.