Relocating to Scotland? Here's the REALITY behind it!

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  • čas přidán 6. 06. 2024
  • 3 years ago I moved to Scotland from Australia and haven't looked back since, but that's not to say I've not had my fare share of trials, errors, low days and struggle points.
    In todays video I'm going to share with you the 5 things you should know before making the choice to relocate to another country!
    If you're a new gal to Scotland, feel free to join the main character Facebook group / 548229647157911 - a space where you can connect with like minded ladies and make friends as adult cause that shit is hard!

Komentáře • 128

  • @kittytatt5144
    @kittytatt5144 Před 10 měsíci +59

    This helps alot me and my wife are so tired of how the u.s is running things rn and ready to get out of our comfort zone Scotland just seems right

    • @Flyforawhiteguy1982
      @Flyforawhiteguy1982 Před 10 měsíci +6

      Same. Me and the wife ancestors from there and we are talking about moving over the blue

    • @kittytatt5144
      @kittytatt5144 Před 10 měsíci

      @Flyforawhiteguy1982 go for it my man

    • @pamelaadam9207
      @pamelaadam9207 Před 8 měsíci +2

      You would a be most welcome we need working age folk

    • @BW9971
      @BW9971 Před 7 měsíci +1

      I want to visit Scotland and Ireland. You all seem friendly. I have Scottish heritage on both sides of my family. I want to learn about my Celtic heritage.

    • @sandersson2813
      @sandersson2813 Před 7 měsíci +8

      Scotland is an absolute mess. The grass is not always greener

  • @lisab36
    @lisab36 Před 8 měsíci +1

    Found you on the FB ~ looking forward to my future visit to Scotland and meeting up with your group !

  • @chey3nne
    @chey3nne Před 10 měsíci +2

    Love this video so much, thank you! You covered so many real experiences and its refreshing p.s. I

  • @saintuk70
    @saintuk70 Před 7 měsíci +9

    Already a native - saying Edinburgh right ;) As for Scotland, yeah, have lived all-over Scotland, love it, always will love it, and won't move anywhere else on this planet. It's empty, really empty, and that's fantastic.

    • @Allapa-im9jr
      @Allapa-im9jr Před 2 měsíci

      And that's the way it should be, as that's one of the great things about Scotland, it has a population for the Scots and less foreigners except for a select few from Commonwealth countries, the more foreigners that start coming in like Yanks, Ozzies, Kiwis and Canucks as well as Western Africans etc, the less great it will be. Scotland has gradually noticeably gotten worse in the past 25 years as more foreigners have come there and the infrustructure is starting to buckle with the strain.

  • @lauraelizabethbaldwin
    @lauraelizabethbaldwin Před 8 měsíci

    Thank you so much for sharing this, I love your voice and after moving to Edinburgh myself 16 months ago know this is super helpful for people wanting to move. ❤

  • @FoxyfloofJumps
    @FoxyfloofJumps Před 2 měsíci

    Wow, lots to digest, but it's all easy to mentally grasp, Thanks! I've been contemplating it, since a good friend is moving in the next couple of years to get married (very long term long-distance relationship there) but making the leap myself by myself is a new thing. (Always had family or parents doing the heavy lifting for me before because military family.)

  • @HippocratesGarden
    @HippocratesGarden Před 9 měsíci +6

    Gotta ask.. have you checked out the baked potato shop just down from the castle off the Royal Mile? Been there twice and get there as soon as possible.

  • @Anna08_01
    @Anna08_01 Před 10 měsíci +1

    Thanks so much for this video! I think you cover so many things that needs to be said, even if ppl would maybe think about those but would not take it too seriously! 🙏❤️
    Off topic: may I ask that are you using dyson airwrap for your hair? Looks amazing! ❤🙏

  • @jessicapotvin9058
    @jessicapotvin9058 Před 11 měsíci +3

    Love this info. ❤. Thank you lovely

  • @NataliaBeth
    @NataliaBeth Před měsícem +1

    This is a great video! Thanks so much for sharint

  • @spyhunter66
    @spyhunter66 Před 8 měsíci +14

    My wife and I relocated to Edinburgh earlier this year from the USA. Some of the surprising issues we ran into:
    1. Navigating health care - even just registering for the NHS is quite an ordeal
    2. Opening a UK bank account. Very difficult until you have a council tax bill.
    3. Loneliness is REALLY tough.

    • @ronaldomadrebien7045
      @ronaldomadrebien7045 Před 8 měsíci +4

      First of all…….WELCOME to Edinburg
      I agree loneliness is tough, happily Edinburgh has lots of you can jump right in to. Have a look at U3A (University of the third age…….not sure how old you are ) There is free concerts at St Giles on Sunday evening to meet people. As always no matter where you are, be bold, say hello to people, if you don’t know them when you sit down, you’ll know them when you stand up !!
      Be choosy, you’ll know when you get a good fit.
      There is much, much more that I could have written about no doubt, historical societies, walking tours, etc, but as Lao Tzu said, “A journey of a thousand miles begins with a single step”……..start stepping !!
      Hope this helps

    • @neozeed8139
      @neozeed8139 Před 6 měsíci

      Monzo made the banking thing a snap! So many banks shut locations outside of the 2 big cities, so its not even worth having a 'real bank account. Not to mention how difficult it was to get a real cellphone plan.

    • @elizagal7451
      @elizagal7451 Před 6 měsíci

      Good luck with finding wonderful people and things to bring you joy. Cheers

    • @sandersson2813
      @sandersson2813 Před 6 měsíci

      Those seem really petty things to be concerned about.
      You're making a big move and banks have a duty to ensure the people opening the account have a residence and are who they say they are.
      You don't get an easy ride just because "you are an American"
      Sometimes it seems to me that Americans expect the red carpet rolled out as if they are some sort of celebrity.
      There is red tape in EVERY country, and for good reason. If you went through the hoops of getting permission to live here in the first place then stuff like banking is a breeze.
      Besides there are things like Revolut which bypasses the need for a bank or can be used temporarily.
      It's GOOD that it is hard to register for NHS, the system is a mess and completely taken advantage of by people who have no right to use it.

  • @user-cz4dr5pc6p
    @user-cz4dr5pc6p Před 10 měsíci +12

    ❤ I just recently moved to Budapest. I feel ALL of this. I found it hard to describe the loneliness to my friends at home because I am always out with people doing things.

    • @ScotlandMagic
      @ScotlandMagic  Před 10 měsíci +1

      Its a hard feeling isnt it! I hope this gave you a bit of peace knowing you're not alone!

    • @Anna08_01
      @Anna08_01 Před 10 měsíci

      Welcome to Budapest! Hope you’ll enjoy it! 🥰

  • @breannanorris8232
    @breannanorris8232 Před 8 měsíci +2

    Omg how would I be able to join that group?! Is it a facebook page? Me and my husband are thinking about moving to edinburgh for 2 years and I am so scared about not knowing anyone..

  • @gallaghim
    @gallaghim Před 4 měsíci

    Interesting video. I have wanted to move to Scotland for years, but never gotten the courage to do it. Though I'm considering it for mid-2025. I am originally from England so I have dual citizenship which does help. Even with not having to worry about visas and such, it's super intimidating. I think the challenge scares me, and the loneliness, but I also feel that something like this could be exactly what I need to grow and get a much needed change. I've been living in Australia for a long, looooong time and just need to kick up the dust a little, if you get what I mean. Thanks for the first hand experience.

  • @kellyotterness
    @kellyotterness Před 4 měsíci +1

    Could you talk more about what you loved about Scotland initially and what made you feel excited to stay there during the 6 month trial period, despite these challenges? Thanks for making this honest and useful video :)

  • @ThePurpleSheep
    @ThePurpleSheep Před 5 dny

    Awesome advice, thanks!!!

  • @kaatverlent731
    @kaatverlent731 Před 4 měsíci +1

    Love the video! Do you (or anyone else here in the comments) have any tips for Europeans? I'm Belgian and not eligible for the Youth Mobility scheme. Navigating the different visas and schemes is honestly giving me a headache 😅 So would love to know how other people are doing it! Scotland is my soulplace and would love to relocate at some point in the near future 🥰

  • @meesharatzlaff
    @meesharatzlaff Před 10 měsíci

    ty for this video, you seem super sweet

  • @user-ff2gm5ex9d
    @user-ff2gm5ex9d Před 3 měsíci

    As a person with a "skilled worker" career, I have some concerns about obtaining a work visa. My husband will apply for employed full-time skilled work while my job as an independent contractor seems fuzzy for obtaining a visa in Scotland. I saw AIS in London offers a service to help skilled workers with these decisions for the UK immigration. I do plan to reach out for their help when the time comes. I'm just curious if you and your partner used an agency to help with choosing the work visa to apply for and getting your documents filed? I am also curious to learn which visa type worked for you as a self-employed couple?
    As an acupuncturist, working for someone else is rarely an option and not the best scenario for making a decent living wage. I hope to find a clinic to work in that is established and has a sort of contracted/rental type situation which is already tricky in the USA, but as an immigration issue I can see this making it difficult with the UK laws in place for relocating long term. Our goal is permanent residency, then citizenship. I would be so heartbroken if my career kept us out!

  • @Jrhynie
    @Jrhynie Před 8 měsíci +4

    I have lived in England and the US. Lived in Scotland for 25 years now, originally the Highlands and now Edinburgh. Wouldn't live anywhere else. Only leave for vacations. Apart from the garbage parking in Edinburgh, the city is a wonderful place to live.
    Public transport is the way to go, cheap day tickets for the bus and tram.

    • @sandersson2813
      @sandersson2813 Před 6 měsíci

      Edinburgh, like all Scottish cities is sadly FILTHY. Litter is everywhere.

    • @Jrhynie
      @Jrhynie Před 6 měsíci

      Certainly doesn't resemble where I live. Spotless, even down the town its clean. George St, Lothian Road, Queensferry Road, Princess St. Bin strike last year it wasn't I admit.@@sandersson2813

  • @JohnHarthomstowCEO
    @JohnHarthomstowCEO Před 2 měsíci

    Great video. I love Scotland. People here think I'm crazy - I've lied in the Caribbean, Thailand, Hong Kong and Florida, so they think I must miss the endless sunshine. But honestly I don't really enjoy that, I love the intermittent weather in Scotland, I like the cloudy days (you know a place is really beautiful when it's still beautiful in a storm), and the people are generally so friendly. It took a while for me to adapt, but something about Scotland just feels like 'home' even as an American immigrant. Cosy is how I'd describe it.

  • @moiramcculloch9790
    @moiramcculloch9790 Před 6 měsíci

    Oh! I'm on the main characters club page on fb. Nice

  • @kenlongfellow
    @kenlongfellow Před 10 měsíci +6

    I choose to go to Scotland at least twice a year for month-long stays since 2014 (COVID years excluded). I know your feeling of 'hiraeth' (longing) and "tinteán" (meaning ‘fireplace’, so the saying is “there’s no fireplace like your own fireplace” and it’s essentially our version of “there’s no place like home” or "hearth and home").
    The barriers to expatriating to Scotland are numerous but when you feel as I do, the constant visiting suffices. Congrats on your success in relocating.

  • @BillelisArt
    @BillelisArt Před 11 měsíci +4

    this is epic!!!!

  • @andrewmcdonald6987
    @andrewmcdonald6987 Před 5 měsíci

    I moved to Edinburgh as a student, then lived there for 23 years. I don't live there now but will always love it.

  • @autumn8034
    @autumn8034 Před 8 měsíci +5

    You talk fast please slow down

  • @andy60460
    @andy60460 Před 10 měsíci

    Nice one!!!

  • @user-ox6ie9tw1u
    @user-ox6ie9tw1u Před 2 měsíci

    I'm so glad I found this . I'm moving there in July with my mother from and don't hate me... lol America. Marrying a Scotsman I met when he was over here for couple years . We've been friends over 20 years and I'm excited but very nervous and want to fit in . My mom's all alone and has Parkinsons so he said ofcourse she'll live with us . Right now he has a house in east Lothian, but the only bedrooms are upstairs. She's in a wheelchair so he sold that home he put so much time and work into and bought a house on the Isle of Lewis. Sorry for going on . I'm. Excited but so scared , nervous about fitting in .

  • @highlands2hammocks
    @highlands2hammocks Před 11 měsíci +2

    So glad that you enjoy our moody weather 😂

  • @xxboxofmuffinsxx4252
    @xxboxofmuffinsxx4252 Před 9 měsíci +1

    I just think the accent is cool. I need an excuse to talk to my family like im some LOTR Loch Ness monster crossover. But in all seriousness, I think the light aviation (ultralights, paramotors, aviation sports, etc) is great there as about half of videos ive found on YT are in Scotland. The architecture is pretty cool too.

    • @aslire110
      @aslire110 Před 6 měsíci

      very nice videos but all of them are in german ...

  • @AbenteuerSchottland
    @AbenteuerSchottland Před 7 měsíci +2

    Hi! Greetings from Perth (Scotland). We moved in October 2020 from Germany to Scotland 🙂Just subscribed to your channel - I'm looking forward to watch your videos and learn about your expieriences. I've got a CZcams Channel, too - maybe have a look at it. Have a great time, Sebastian 🌞🌞

  • @annvd71
    @annvd71 Před měsícem

    I live in Scotland, but going back to the Netherlands after 11 years. Not had a good experience here.

  • @malcolmthomson3352
    @malcolmthomson3352 Před 8 měsíci +6

    Speaks far too fast. Exhausting

    • @TS-hx4qd
      @TS-hx4qd Před 2 měsíci

      You can slow it down put it in 0.5 speed, she was a little slow for me so I put it in 1.5 speed. Lovely little features on this app to adapt it for yourself x

  • @Charlesinthebox631
    @Charlesinthebox631 Před 8 měsíci +5

    I've been doing a bunch of research on the pros and cons of moving to Scotland so I can get out of America, I just don't want to be away from my family and friends in case it doesn't go according to plan. I really just want to pack up all my things and go to Scotland

    • @sandersson2813
      @sandersson2813 Před 7 měsíci +1

      You can't just move to a country because you want to.

    • @neeti__patel
      @neeti__patel Před 7 měsíci +4

      Actually, you can do it. If you have a solid plan in place, your dreams are achievable. It probably won't be an easy journey, but you can move if you want to.

    • @sandersson2813
      @sandersson2813 Před 7 měsíci +1

      @@neeti__patel My point is that Americans especially, think they just move anywhere. Unless you have skills, experience and qualifications you can't.

    • @nicolemurphy2629
      @nicolemurphy2629 Před 6 měsíci +3

      @@sandersson2813
      depends where from
      from england to scotland
      you just get a bus or train 😂

    • @nicolemurphy2629
      @nicolemurphy2629 Před 6 měsíci

      @@sandersson2813
      and by the time you have the skills , experience and degrees your retiring 😂

  • @danpictish5457
    @danpictish5457 Před 11 měsíci +4

    Well done. Become a citizen!

  • @brittscott4673
    @brittscott4673 Před 9 měsíci +4

    Did you check out Glasgow before you decided to settle in Edinburgh?and what is your opinion on the contrast btwn the two cities,pros and cons of the two.
    It would be interesting to get your take on the two cities as a person who it's all new to rather than someone who grew up in Scotland.
    It's great to hear from native Scots also,but as a person who it is all new to I would like your opinion on the two.✌️❤️🎵

    • @amandahunter4034
      @amandahunter4034 Před 8 měsíci +2

      I lived in Edinburgh for many years, and worked in Glasgow. Edinburgh is definitely better - calmer, more cultured and a bit more casual.

    • @sandersson2813
      @sandersson2813 Před 6 měsíci +1

      I lived in both and Glasgow is a Poundland substitute.
      Largely ugly, constant rain, horrible accent, scum everywhere and never far away from total poverty.

    • @paddysmyth90
      @paddysmyth90 Před 6 měsíci +1

      ​@@sandersson2813woooft. Where in Glasgow did you stay? Very harsh.

    • @sandersson2813
      @sandersson2813 Před 6 měsíci

      @@paddysmyth90 I lived a street back the Botanics. A nice area, but surrounded mile shit like Maryhill. First time I realised that supermarkets stock for the quality of their demographic.
      If I ever had to live in that area again Is live in a village outside like Milngavie or Strathblane

    • @paulinekelly8016
      @paulinekelly8016 Před 6 měsíci +1

      ​@sandersson2813 plenty bad places in Edinburgh as well. I don't come from Glasgow or Edinburgh so I'm not biased.

  • @user-hu6lr3vr7g
    @user-hu6lr3vr7g Před 5 měsíci +2

    I want to relocate from Australia to Scotland but the twist is that I am Scottish but I moved to Australia 20 years ago. I am over living in Australia, I have done everything here and I have never felt Australian, Aussies are not welcoming even after 20 years. i don't have rose coloured glasses, I have Black tinted Glasses, I think Scotland is awful but home for me, I just remember the worse of the place but I am native to Scotland so it's literally my home, I am from nowhere else. I think I am going to move to a different part of Scotland though. It might help with the Black tinted glasses.

  • @user-lb9xg7hw7i
    @user-lb9xg7hw7i Před 3 měsíci +2

    You talk so fast! Slow it down

  • @QuentinStephens
    @QuentinStephens Před 6 měsíci +2

    Slow down!

  • @bobsimpson4298
    @bobsimpson4298 Před 5 měsíci

    Non-native English speakers will not find this easy to follow, as the speech is too rapid. I think slowing down her delivery would be beneficial... I gave up about half the way through...

  • @InFltSvc
    @InFltSvc Před 8 měsíci

    How do you clean your nose?

  • @sophrosyne3760
    @sophrosyne3760 Před 2 měsíci

    Take a breath once in a while.

  • @katealison6087
    @katealison6087 Před 8 měsíci

    This looks like really good content - but you're talking so fast it's quite hard to take in. Just some well intentioned feedback.

  • @linarez90
    @linarez90 Před 10 měsíci

    This is so general.

  • @judis6224
    @judis6224 Před 6 měsíci

    Want pure scottish.

  • @irenemacginley6022
    @irenemacginley6022 Před 8 měsíci +4

    You speak too quickly....I can barely keep up with you...😮

  • @NM-so8kh
    @NM-so8kh Před 5 měsíci +2

    Scotland is a great place to live but is declining rapidly sadly. We need as many immigrants like the person in the video as possible. Our country has too many net dependents and we need people who will contribute.

  • @ninecatsmagee8384
    @ninecatsmagee8384 Před 8 měsíci +5

    Have lived in Scotland for 20 years now and raised a family here. Edinburgh and the rest of Scotland aren't the same thing. Edinburgh's a challenge. We lived there four years and it's historic but dirty and crowded. Just finding a parking space can drive you mad. The highlands are another subject. Gorgeous up here and idyllic. Public services are still wonderful almost wherever you go. The rest of what you've mentioned is the same anywhere. Think practical on how you're going to settle in and the connections you'll need. Housing anywhere in Scotland is difficult to find and expensive. Try to work that out before you arrive. We took an entire summer when we first arrived finding a rental and I'm sure it's worse since then.

    • @lauraelizabethbaldwin
      @lauraelizabethbaldwin Před 8 měsíci +3

      Wow what a rude comment! Don’t watch it if you don’t like how she talks 😂 why does the internet give the right to be mean to people online?
      Also this is her reality and she’s sharing her perspective, such is life .. yours may have been different and that’s fine. People resonating with her will take something from this video. I moved to Edinburgh a year ago and everything she says is spot on, I don’t find Edinburgh dirty and crowded, I find it beautiful. Have a lovely day 😊

  • @aelurusb7604
    @aelurusb7604 Před 5 měsíci +1

    Useful content but you honestly speak way too fast. Even as a native English speaker I struggled to keep up with you.

  • @fireman3857
    @fireman3857 Před měsícem

    Slow Down. I missed half of what you were saying.

    • @mollyscott1651
      @mollyscott1651 Před 21 dnem

      you could put it in 0.75x playback speed to slow it down

  • @halloweenville1
    @halloweenville1 Před 9 měsíci +9

    You talk so fast, take a breath.

    • @Venusianlovebites
      @Venusianlovebites Před 8 měsíci +1

      You can just slow down the video speed to your liking 😊

    • @halloweenville1
      @halloweenville1 Před 8 měsíci

      @@Venusianlovebites What???? so she sounds like a zombie, and the video becomes twice as long. How about (I don't move MY mountain) and she moves hers, seeing as we are the viewer and all.

    • @Venusianlovebites
      @Venusianlovebites Před 8 měsíci

      @@halloweenville1 🤣🤣🤣 dead

    • @halloweenville1
      @halloweenville1 Před 8 měsíci +1

      @@Venusianlovebites Don't die too hard.

    • @dallassukerkin6878
      @dallassukerkin6878 Před 8 měsíci +1

      @@halloweenville1 I have to agree, aye. I was going to reply like kpop and suggest slowing the video speed ... until I tried it and realised that it is so off-putting if you do that!

  • @johnmurray8454
    @johnmurray8454 Před 10 měsíci +11

    U talk too fast

    • @ScotlandMagic
      @ScotlandMagic  Před 10 měsíci +5

      Thanks? 😂

    • @johnmurray8454
      @johnmurray8454 Před 10 měsíci +6

      @@ScotlandMagic just slow down your delivery and it will improve the video tremendously; I’m sorry if I was blunt

    • @andy60460
      @andy60460 Před 10 měsíci +2

      Hate when people are slow with it, good job!!!

    • @facelessdrone
      @facelessdrone Před 10 měsíci +5

      @@johnmurray8454 you can just slow down the video, dude...

    • @stewartross1233
      @stewartross1233 Před 9 měsíci +4

      She is talking at the Scottish speed!

  • @shirleyc2097
    @shirleyc2097 Před 2 měsíci

    Wow you talk so fast

  • @alanwood4968
    @alanwood4968 Před 4 měsíci

    Stayed there from the age thirteen to much racists within this country. Now i moved out to another country and its brilliant much nicer people.

  • @Allapa-im9jr
    @Allapa-im9jr Před 2 měsíci

    Oh no, another Ozzy foreigner who belongs to Australia thinking they are Scottish.

  • @spamlives77
    @spamlives77 Před 8 měsíci

    Holy elitist

  • @jonah9861
    @jonah9861 Před 7 měsíci

    Woke Country