4 Lifestyle Tips You Should Consider When Moving to Scotland

Whether you’re moving internationally, or simply shimmying up the border from England, Scotland is a wondrous land to live in.

With breathtaking landscapes, record breaking weather (of all variations), and diverse wildlife, Scotland is truly the land of the great. Whether you’re looking to try haggis for the first time, experience the magic of the Fringe Festival, or ramble through the Highlands and Islands, a world of opportunity awaits you.

If you’re thinking about moving to Scotland, here are four top tips to consider.

1.     Overhaul Your Wardrobe and Be Weather Conscious

In Scotland, the weather is famously very cold, no matter where you live, and the further north you go, the more temperamental the weather can become.

If you’re planning to live in Scotland, it would be a good idea to consider re-evaluating your wardrobe contents, and swapping your bikini bottoms for a substantially padded winter coat.

You will also find that the winters in Scotland can be unforgiving and unpredictable, so make sure you have the supplies to sustain yourself in case of a blackout.

In this case, candles, battery operated lights and a camping stove may be very helpful.

2.     Figure Out Your Career Aspirations

If you’re re-considering your career once you move, or are open to changing, why not invest in a distance learning degree from providers like Signum Magnum College? These courses are designed for high achieving professionals who want to further their professional potential, and are ideal for studying anywhere in the world!

Whether you want to study a bachelor’s degree, a master’s or doctorate, studying academically will improve your chances of promotion and scaling that corporate ladder faster.

3.     Get Clued Up on Scottish Culture

A hugely traditional and culture-rich place, Scotland is home to some interesting traditions and customs.

One example of Scottish traditions is Burns Night, which commemorates the death of the Scottish poet Robbie Burns. Scotland also has a rich folklore history, and music. Typically, the bagpipes are most commonly associated with Scottish music, and clothing such as kilts.

You may also want to become acquainted with some of Scotland’s more famous delicacies such as haggis (a savoury pudding that contains a sheep’s heart liver and lungs with chopped onion, spices, oatmeal, suet and salt and cooked in the sheep’s stomach). It is traditionally served with neeps and tatties (turnip and potatoes).

There are other variants of Scottish cuisine to sample such as cock-a-leekie soup, Scotch broth, rumbledethumps (potato, cabbage and onion), and black pudding. Many of these recipes are taken from traditional medieval customs after hunting.

4.     Consider Where You Want to Live

Like most places in the UK, Scotland has affluent areas that can be expensive to live in, so researching your area before you move can be helpful.

Decide whether you want to rent or buy in your chosen area, and what your long-term strategy is. For city dwellers, you may want to look at Scotland’s biggest cities like Edinburgh and Aberdeen, which have historic and beautiful architecture. Edinburgh also famously hosts the Fringe Festival every August.

Fans of a more rural dwelling might want to look at the Highlands and Islands. Although these are beautiful places, they are also quite remote, and can be the subject of hazardous weather conditions, so remaining alert and educated on the emergency services is key.

If you’re coming from outside the UK, you may need a visa and documentation to  reside in Scotland, so make sure you have all your paperwork in order!

Do you have any tips for moving to Scotland? Share your thoughts in the comments section below!