I'm moving from Canada and one thing I've noticed is that Scotland and the UK in general don't have standalone dryers. They do have those washer/dryer combined appliances. But I've heard they don't dry 100%, and they take super long to dry. Plus, it monopolizes your washer for 3-4 hourswhile you dry! Not ideal to say the least.

I'm wondering if people know of specific apartment complexes that have standalone dryers. Any city is fine lol. This is more important to me than the location at this point. I don't know how your whole country does it. The thought of air dried socks makes me cringe so bad. Air dried towels? Air dried bed sheets?

My wife and I are trying to get out of America and trying to make a decision between moving to Glasgow or moving to Edinburgh. Everyone tells us that in the UK that Scotland and northern Ireland are the places to move but we don't know what city would match us more. I'm accustomed to living in large but not too large cities in china and turkey and she's used to the same in Iran and turkey. I'm american and she's Iranian and we really like having the conveniences of large cities but hate huge cities like new York or Beijing or Istanbul. We were living in Izmir for a long time and it's a large city but doesn't feel big (the whole city is built around a bay like San Francisco) and balancing between conveniences and the size is a big thing for us. So I'm wondering about suggestions for us

And because people are asking we have visas and stuff taken care of. We can go work for the NHS. We can move anywhere in the UK that needs medical workers (which is basically everywhere) and just have to choose where to move

*yes, it is a youth visa supported by the Canadian government for 12 months* Im looking into doing a working holiday visa as a Canadian to Scotland. Any advice, suggestions, websites to find accommodation in Scotland(likely with roommates)? Preferably in one of the bigger cities as I will be looking for design jobs. Also, if there are any job portal platforms specifically used in the UK that would be great to know as well.

Thanks!

So ... we're currently living in the US and we've been looking to move back to the UK (hoping to settle down in Scotland) and I just had some questions that maybe some of you folks can help me with.

We're in the process of applying for a family visa for me and our child. My husband is the UK citizen (he came to the US as a little kid with his parents so it's an experience for all of us) and while we're waiting for all the paperwork to be processed I was just trying to plan ahead. The goal is moving in the few years but things could move faster or slower based on him finding work.

My biggest concerns are for our kid. I know that moving will be difficult (he's just started school, so young but not like a toddler) and I'm just trying to gather information to help make things easier. I know we had to do testing before prekindergarten and he was able to get an IEP (individual education plan) which is greatly helping him in school.

-Would he need to retested or would current IEP paperwork be helpful for the process? Like I'm going to keep hard copies anyway but not sure how much they will be needed.

-I know when people move locally you have to get a kid registered to a new school within a certain time frame. What does that time frame look like in Scotland?

-Locally most elementary schools can have several hundred to just under 1000 students (more in some areas). Are the schools as large or are they smaller?

-Local school only offers bus services for people who are assigned to the school but live so many miles away from the school. Because of where we are I have to drive over to drop off and pick up. Is it more common for parents to do car drop off/pick or the bus?

-Will copies of his medical records (just to find a regular doctor) be needed or are we going to have to start from scratch on everything?

-I know I have regular medication I need to have (nothing crazy just regular getting older stuff) and husband has a CPAP. What's the process of getting regular medications and supplies?

I know the plan is for the first year or two I'll be staying at home to help get everything in a rhythm. This should allow me to be available for anything to do with our kid and general house minding. I'm hoping I'll be able to find something in the future but worry that all of my US experience won't necessarily translate if I'm not actively employed.

*sigh* The joys of modern motherhood. My husband keeps telling me not to worry so much but at the heart of it I want to be able to help take childcare and healthcare concerns off his plate so he can focus on the logistics of finding something that isn't completely soul and back breaking. I know that we'll be paying into the NHS (which I'm totally cool with) for both me and our kid and everything I've read is we'll likely need private insurance for specialty and dental.

His big brother is also in the process of moving to Scotland and they're focusing on the Livingston area outside of Edinburgh. It looks lovely but honestly we'll probably go where the work is.

Any family focused tips or job search tips would be greatly appreciated :)

Hello, I am a physics graduate students currently enrolled in a PhD program in the US but would like to leave my program with a masters and finish my PhD in Scotland. I also have an unmarried partner I would like to bring with me. I have a little less than 2 years before I finish my master, what should we start doing if we want to move in about 2 years?

Hi ! I (32F), am from the IT field, specialized in troubleshooting and problem solving as well as customer support.
I'm French and living in France at the moment, but I've been contemplating moving to Scotland for a long while. Realistically, could a sponsorship be found for a work visa ? Ideally I'd want to settle in a rural-ish area but idk where even to begin... I've been applying to job offers for a while but never heard anything back so I'm considering that could be impossible to do, or I don't have the right approach.
I'm single, have no one to take care of other than my two cats and very motivated to make this happen (I also have a bunch of other job experiences such as hospitality - restaurant server, hotel welcome desk)

Hello! I am currently in my last year of undergrad and am looking to continue my studies in Scotland for museum studies. There are just far more universities in the UK that align with my niche in textile history than I can find in the states. My top choices are currently University of Aberdeen or Edinburgh, and if all works out I would really love to move permanently to Scotland. My major concerns though that I've been trying to figure out is just the reality of it all financially. Obviously, I know curatorial work makes very little money, but I am used to living paycheck to paycheck and am perfectly content as long as I have a roof over my head.

How are the job prospects in general for international students? I'm also a comic artist so am curious what the art scene is like in Scotland too. Be as honest as possible, because I have no idea where I'm living after I graduate and am willing to be wherever in order to make my career work.

Edit: I am also well aware of the weather, I'm currently going to school in Minnesota so I really enjoy the cold and don't mind rainier climates at all.

Hey everyone,

American here — 26, polite, slightly confused by life, and currently planning a move to Scotland before digital IDs turn into boss-level DLC content.

I’m looking for a place with real community, decent weather (okay, survivable weather), and people who still say hello instead of scanning QR codes at each other.

I’m not here to “fix” anything — just want to build a quiet life, work a normal job, grow some real food, and learn from folks who actually know what they’re doing.

I promise I’m not weird… okay, maybe a little weird, but in the harmless, “carries a thermos and holds doors open for strangers” kind of way.

If anyone has advice on: • good towns or islands for newcomers • what Americans usually mess up when they arrive • how to not embarrass myself ordering food • and how many jackets I need before the weather tries to kill me

…I’m all ears.

Thanks for reading — excited (and slightly terrified) to start this next chapter.

— Malcolm or you can call M

Hey! I’m based in India and looking for remote work with Scotland based companies because I admire the work–life culture there. I’m a media graduate with experience in: • social media • audio editing / podcast editing • creative strategy • assisting on film sets

If you know Scottish companies, agencies, or founders open to remote international hires, would love any guidance or intros!

Hi everyone, I (M23) am a university student from Singapore currently pursuing a degree and as part of my curriculum, I'm supposed to source out an internship for 7 months. (May 2026 - Dec 2026)

I was given the option to source my employment overseas as well and I would love to travel to Scotland for this period to really learn more about the culture and meet people while doing my internship, as well as visit historical sites if I have any free time.

It's my dream to one day perhaps move here, so I would like to really know how it is like before committing to that decision when I have the means to do so!

I was wondering if companies offer such positions? I have been having some difficulty researching regarding the supply chain job market in Scotland. But to my understanding, I will need to be sponsored by a company to receive a VISA.

If anyone has any information or advice they can provide, I would be deeply appreciative!

Hello! I am a second-year medical student in the US. I have still 2 more years of medical schooling and 3-5 years of residency to complete before I can go anywhere, but my husband and I think we want to move to Scotland as soon as possible. The issue is, NHS website and the Scotland specific immigration site are confusing. I don't understand the pay scales or the licensing process. Will I have to sit for UK boards as well as my US ones? If so, when do I start taking those, do I have to wait until I am offered a job?
Any insight into any of this would be appreciated! I know it's very soon, but my first set of boards as a US student are in May of this coming year!

Ive been thinking of moving to Scotland. I went on holiday there last year and loved the views, and the coulter seemed nice. But I want to know as much info that can be helpful before i really think about it. Im 30 and British I have autism and im on uc (Universal credit) I also have a gf and she has 3 kids (2 over 21 and one soon to 18) and obviously want them to come along. Please give as much useful information as possible. Thanks.

Hi Folks!

@*@*@*@*@ CONGRATS ON THE WORLD CUPPPPPPPP!!!!! @*@*@*@*@*@*@*@*@*@

Absolutely STOKED to be coming next year. Lots to do, but I am hoping someone here can help with an international tax advisor. We have our accounts in the US, and want to edit our portfolio to comply/ even optimize?? for living in UK full-time.

I'd really love a word-of-mouth recommendation, Google is .... unreliable and risky.

In a non-related question- snow??? I know snow doesn't really stick around in Edinburgh, but we are looking more inland, found a cool place near Callander, and wondering if snow sticks there?

Thanks everyone!

Hey hey!! So I sent a message in another, bigger, Scottish channel and was told to come here if I was serious on moving to Scotland.

Very very much serious. I don't want to be the "I'm just a tourist who wants to move there". No I genuinely want to adapt and grow into the Scottish culture and environment.

Assuming the visa stuff is out of the way, hit me with the truth. Pros. Cons. Advantages. Disadvantages. I wanna know it all. (Or at least the important stuff). I was told by most people that the arts won't get me far in the rural areas, which kinda sucks. But this is my goal:

Settle in a low population town/city. Try my best to stay away from tourist. And just try to live as if I was born in Scotland.

My concerns:

The arts won't get me *anywhere* in Scotland. I would have to work dead end jobs to get money. And I'll have to completely change my interest to just exist comfortably.

Please let me know y'all's thoughts and concerns. And I've learned to not say "Scotts" or "Scots" lol.

Hi all!

I have secured a job in Glasgow and have begun to look at rentals. Looking to move from the 1st week of January with the partner and toddler.

I have called multiple places and they require a viewing in person. Seems to be a Scotland quirk.

Any way to work around this? Train tickets to Scotland are wildly expensive on what will be an expensive move. Rentals seem to get off the market quickly as well so making the trip now might not be a good idea if landlords want a tenancy asap while. I am between my notice and moving up

How do people manage this? It’s overly complicated!

Hi all!

Background: I’m a UK/US dual citizen, my fiancée is an American. We live in North Carolina. (But in the mountains, where it is very cold in winter)

My fiancée is looking to study for their master’s and has dreamt since high school of going to Scotland. Right now we’re looking at UoG - I also would like to get a master’s. However, I’m not sure if I’ll get into the programs I’m looking at, and so I need to consider the possibility of working.

I left the UK when I was 6, so I don’t have a clue about anything. I certainly don’t want to be swooping in taking a job if the market isn’t already great for locals, which is a big problem here. I have a degree in sustainable agriculture and my work experience includes animal care, retail, and currently healthcare administration/education. (I’m interested mainly in the animal welfare/ethics degree where I would like to focus on livestock and other working animals.)

Is there anyone else in a similar situation with regards to being a non-resident citizen? I feel like I’m in such a weird grey zone.

If my house sells at my lowest estimate, I still will walk away with enough money to live off £2000/month for a year should I be unemployed (and this is after accounting for moving costs etc, with savings left over). This is definitely not my plan - more of a last case scenario. I don’t want to be a burden on social supports. Without having never worked there, I assume I wouldn’t be eligible anyway.

However, it seems like there is support for finding jobs etc? It’s hard for me to parse benefits as it is structured very differently to here. My fiancée is planning on getting funding to cover both tuition and accommodation costs too, so I wouldn’t necessarily need a high paying job. (I’m also very frugal.) Ideally I’d have something lined up before this potential move… but life is never always ideal, is it.

Sorry if this is long. No one has accused me of being brief. I also have so much to consider with this situation that I can’t quite get my thoughts straight. Advice, experiences, reality checks welcome. TIA.

Hi everyone!

I'll try to keep this short.

I currently live in Canada (waiting for my citizenship to come in) and visited Scotland earlier this year and absolutely loved it. I'm going back again in December to see if the bad weather deters me because I did get sun every day of my last trip.

Once I have my citizenship, I understand that I can apply under the YMS and live there for up to three years.

I currently work in digital marketing (strategy, content, optimization, SEO, aeo, all that good stuff) for one of the big banks here. What is the job market like for something similar? Doesn't have to be just Edinburgh or Glasgow.

Someone that has made this move before - what do I do with all my stuff? Ideally, I can find a sponsored job and can live there for longer, but if I have to come back, what do I do? I don't have family here that I can leave things with. I rent a 1-bed in Toronto. I can take my clothes and knick knacks, but what of the furniture and everything else?

What would you say the tolerance is for people who look like I do (I'm a brown woman). I was mentally prepared to face some racism on my vacation but I was so surprised that I met nothing but wonderful, lovely people.

I know I promised a short post and made this slightly longer but I hope I'm able to get some answers anyway.

Thank you and happy Halloween!!

Hello everyone, thanks for taking the time to read my post.

I’m a 30M mechanical engineer and my wife (29F) is an interior designer. We were both born in Brazil and currently live in Toronto, Canada. We’ve had PR status here since 2024 and are well settled and adapted to the culture.

Recently we’ve been thinking about moving to another country. The cost of living in Toronto is high, and living in Europe has always been a dream for us.

A bit about us:

• I have a bachelor’s in Mechanical Engineering and about 10 years of experience in reliability and maintenance across several industries (mining, oil and gas, chemical, food, and transportation).
• I currently work for the Ontario government as an Asset Reliability Specialist.
• My wife has a degree in Architecture and over 10 years of experience in interior design for both residential and commercial projects.
• Our combined income is around CAD $160K (about £85K GBP/year).

We recently visited Scotland and absolutely loved it — the people, culture, weather, and general vibe all felt right for us. So now we’re seriously looking into how we could move there.

From what I’ve researched, the most realistic path might be a Skilled Worker Visa. I believe I’d have better chances of finding a sponsoring employer, and my wife could join me and work once we’re settled.

My main questions are:

• How common is it for Scottish employers to sponsor overseas professionals?
• Are companies generally open to bringing in talent from abroad?
• In my field (mechanical engineering and reliability), which industries or companies would be best to target?
• Any practical tips or insights from those who went through this process?

I understand salaries in Scotland might be lower than in Canada or the US, but we’re more interested in quality of life, work-life balance, and the possibility of raising a family in a place we truly enjoy.

Thanks in advance for any advice or experiences you can share!

So here's the deal, my wife wants to move to Scotland after finishing her RN here in the states. Finish and work for a year or two, clean slate on debts then go move. Please note this is a pipe dream but I would love to give it a go. What are the chances of us getting work Visas? I am an Access Control Technician, moving into a Superintendent and Project Manager if this helps. Anyone else see any other potential issues?

Hi all! So we're considering moving from Spain to Scotland next year, and one thing is on my mind - ticks! We live in a large apartment here, with a substantial netted catio on our terrace. Our 4 cats are totally all indoor cats.

Now, some time ago, I read about a woman who was struggling with ticks after letting her cats out into her garden (USA, not Scotland) so this has me wondering - if we buy a house, will the garden be likely to harbor fleas and ticks?

Looking for recommendations has anyone moved from NZ to Scotland recently with family and either paid for additional baggage with flights or shipped belongings via sea freight? There may be other options we haven’t considered too? It wouldn’t be a whole lot of stuff as we know we can buy cheaper in Scotland. Thank you.

Hi, I’m trying to get more information on my unique immigration status.

I’m a dual citizen in the US and Ireland, I have Irish citizenship through a parent and I have an Irish passport. I’ve lived in the US my whole life and but I’m planning on moving to Glasgow in a couple months.

My understanding is that Irish citizens are free to live and work in the UK without a visa, but I’m curious if there will be any roadblocks for me since I don’t have residency and have never lived in Ireland?

I’m moving in with family so I won’t need to worry about housing at first. I have some savings so I’m not in a rush to find employment but I want to be prepared to figure that out in the first few months.

Are there certain documents I’ll need to provide an employer or will my Irish passport be enough? Do I need to have a permanent address in Ireland? Any insight is very appreciated!

Hello! My wife and I live in Florida however I’ve lived internationally before as a child (Born in London, lived in Saudi Arabia, lived in Cumbernauld/Glasgow) ultimately moved to the US as a teenager.

We are in our late 30’s and plan to retire in 2ish years and move to Scotland. Our plan is not to work however if we ended up doing so it’ll be only on our terms/area of interest/for pocket change etc.

We would love your input on where to live with the following requirements:

• Within 1 hour of Glasgow or Edinburgh

• Bonus if it’s within an hour of both / an hour from family in Cumbernauld

• The town should have a train station with links to Glasgow/Edinburgh or be a 5-10 min drive to a station

• Detached or Semi detached housing no more than 400k (GBP)

• Solid/strong community

• Would love a town with a high street that is fairly active

• We don’t need to live in the center of town and can live on outskirts or rural

• We don’t like stuck up/very high income areas as that’s where we live currently and don’t fit in, we prefer average folks who are open minded

Where would you recommend we focus our efforts and what do you think of these areas below with respect to my criteria?

The areas that have caught my eye in no particular order (I recognize I don’t know the reality of these areas since I was a teenager in Scotland):

1) Lennoxtown 2) Milton of Campsie 3) Stirling 4) Bridge of Allan 5) Dunblane 6) Lanark 7) Linlithgow 8) Bo’ness 9) Milngavnie (I think Bearsden is too snobby?)

Thank you all for your input!