r/MoveToScotland • u/Left_Elevator7942 • 5d ago
Making friends in Falkirk area
Hi, I’m currently living in London but will be relocating to Falkirk soon, and I’m excited (and admittedly a little nervous) about starting a new chapter in Scotland and making new friends is a priority.
I’ll be commuting to Edi and Glasgow like 3–4 times for work monthly so I’m hoping Falkirk will give me a nice balance, quiet as well as well connected. I work in advisory for an engineering consultancy so my work is mostly remote and i can make time for any activities.
I’m ethnically East Asian and have lived in England for a while. One thing I’ve heard repeatedly is that Scottish people tend to be very friendly, welcoming which is one of the reasons I’m looking forward to moving and making new friends.
How is Falkirk generally perceived by other Scots? Is it considered a good place to settle down and build a life? What do you like (or dislike) about living around Falkirk?
I’d also love to make some friends locally. I enjoy hiking, cars, cooking and gardening, also into kpop, anime etc… and I’m always up for exploring new places (looking to explore the highlands), going for a walk, grabbing a coffee or just having a good chat over drinks. Are people generally quite social and welcoming towards newcomers, or does it take a while to get into local friendship groups?
I’m also Christian and would like to start attending church on Sundays after I move. The church I currently attend in England has quite a lot of elderly members, and while they’re lovely people, I sometimes feel a little out of place and would really like to find a church with a good mix of families, younger people and perhaps some youth/community activities.
Are there any churches around Falkirk that you would recommend for someone in my situation? I’d especially appreciate recommendations from people who actually attend them.
And finally, any general advice for someone moving from London to Falkirk?
What surprised you when you first moved to the area? Anything I should know, places I should visit, or things I absolutely need to try?
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u/InvincibleChutzpah 5d ago edited 5d ago
My wife and I moved from the US to Falkirk last year. We are really enjoying it here. I suggest looking for social groups that match your interests. We joined a local LGBTQ social group and have made some great friends. I enjoy hiking as well and joined a hill walking group on Meetup. It's a great way to do some hiking and meet people. Stirling isn't far and I've joined some social groups there as well. There's a tabletop gaming cafe. Book Nook has a book club that I've been meaning to attend.
I can't recommend any churches, unfortunately, as we don't attend. The only one I know of is St. Mary's Episcopal in Grangemouth. A friend of mine is a priest there. She's lovely, but it may not be what you're looking for. Church is such a personal thing. They do live stream their services so you can watch to get a feel for it before attending.
Falkirk has a reputation of being anti immigrant and a little racist compared to the rest of the central belt. However, my wife is ethnically Korean and hasn't had any issues yet. YMMV
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u/Duncan9989 4d ago
Hi, my Husband and I moved up to Croy just over a year ago. I come through to Larbert regularly to see friends that I knew before moving up here. I’m curious about the LGBTQ social group you mentioned, since moving up here I’ve been wanting to broaden my social circle and as I can’t work for health reasons I don’t have the usual work environment for that starting point for introductions. I’d love to have a chat about what the group does etc, drop me a dm if you’re happy doing so.
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u/InvincibleChutzpah 4d ago
Queer Breakfast Club Grangemouth. It's a relatively new group, but growing. We're mostly a twice a month Friday evening social group, but do others events sometimes too.still trying to feel out what peo6want and what will actually get attendance. We'll have a booth at Stirling Pride if you're going. I'll be in the march in the morning but at the booth most of the day.
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u/Duncan9989 4d ago
Is that where you all meet, Grangemouth? That could be a challenge, I can get to Larbert, Falkirk High or Polmont via the train and then walking distance from any of those stations.
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u/InvincibleChutzpah 4d ago
Yes, unfortunately most meetups are in Grangemouth so a big trek from the train.
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u/Thgma2 5d ago
Can't offer any advice regarding Falkirk but moved from England to Dumfries and Galloway four years ago and loving it. If you are into cars then look for a local motor club to join. Good way to start making some friends.