Moving to Scotland. Tips?

Moving to Scotland. Tips?

Author
Discussion

xqst

Original Poster:

11 posts

76 months

Monday 6th November 2017
quotequote all
Hey guys, newcomer here, im 23yo, im from Portugal and i've always had a dream to work/live abroad (UK pref) and therefore decided to go to Scotland not only because its a beautiful country , but also because i have always been attracted to it.

The thing is , i've never even gotten out of Portugal (not even to visit anything) and therefore im a bit "scared" on what should i do first and most of all where to go, im going to visit it in January for a few days and get to know the country a bit before actually moving in as i'm going without any job offer or friends there.

So i was hoping you guys could give me a few tips on what to do/expect , and mainly what city to go to and which specific area (preferred a budget and friendly location, a bit away from the center of any city with good means of transportation , a good employment % and friendly people)


Thanks
Best Regards!

Phunk

1,972 posts

170 months

Monday 6th November 2017
quotequote all
What industry are you looking to work in?

xqst

Original Poster:

11 posts

76 months

Monday 6th November 2017
quotequote all
I've worked in about everything to be honest. Currently working as an hotel night auditor. But worked as an IT tech , sales , customer support for apple , cashier... etc

Edited by xqst on Monday 6th November 04:50

f1ten

2,161 posts

152 months

Monday 6th November 2017
quotequote all
Buy an umbrella 🌂

PaulJC84

922 posts

216 months

Monday 6th November 2017
quotequote all
I would start in Edinburgh for a few days and use the trains or buses and do a little tour. Maybe pop out to North Berwick (East) for the day while in Edinburgh too and get the train to Glasgow (West) or Aberdeen/Dundee/Inverness (North) stopping at places on your way.

There are organised tours that will take you to see the sights varying in length also.

If you have loads of times visit the west coast and islands as it is lovely but January may be a bit tricky.

cuprabob

14,419 posts

213 months

Monday 6th November 2017
quotequote all
Bring a jumper, it's beginning to get chilly up here smile

PaulD86

1,651 posts

125 months

Monday 6th November 2017
quotequote all
Definitely invest in some warm clothes. GoreTex is also a good plan coming into Autumn/winter. Explore when you get here. Lots to see.

R8Steve

4,150 posts

174 months

Monday 6th November 2017
quotequote all
What kind of things interest you?

xqst

Original Poster:

11 posts

76 months

Monday 6th November 2017
quotequote all
Hey guys, I want to thank you all for your answers really appreciate all the bit of help I can get on this, plus I already have a couple of goretex here so cold weather and rain shouldn't be that much of a problem... In January i actually booked to Edinburgh so I'll be starting there and explore the rest... In terms on actually living, you guys recommend Glasgow or Edinburgh(or others) for a guy in my situation?

Thank you!

xqst

Original Poster:

11 posts

76 months

Monday 6th November 2017
quotequote all
R8Steve said:
What kind of things interest you?
Hey! I'm interested in a "light" night life, like a couple of bars to chill and have a drink (specially if they are jazzy), love soccer, beautiful landscapes and most of all somewhere not to close to a city center but with a couple of places to do some grocery shopping/clothing...

bigwheel

1,616 posts

213 months

Monday 6th November 2017
quotequote all
For beautiful landscapes, the West is Best. Half hour from Glasgow.

xqst

Original Poster:

11 posts

76 months

Monday 6th November 2017
quotequote all
bigwheel said:
For beautiful landscapes, the West is Best. Half hour from Glasgow.
Hey there. In what area specifically?


Patrick Bateman

12,143 posts

173 months

Monday 6th November 2017
quotequote all
The lot.

bigwheel

1,616 posts

213 months

Monday 6th November 2017
quotequote all
Yeah, the lot!
Anyhoo, to get started, look left when going over the Erskine Bridge, ignoring the Anti-Suicide Barrier.
Dumbarton Castle Rock.
Balloch (centre of my universe).
Loch Lomond-side A82.
Crianlarich. (we're on a mini hoon)
The Green Welly (jfgi!)
Rannoch Moor.
The mighty Glencoe.
Ballachulish Bridge.
Fort William, where you can often see the whole of Ben Nevis from the town. Where the stream train featured in Harry Potter sets off every day (Summer Season) for Mallaig.
And that's just a short taster. Loads and loads more to enjoy.

xqst

Original Poster:

11 posts

76 months

Monday 6th November 2017
quotequote all
bigwheel said:
Yeah, the lot!
Anyhoo, to get started, look left when going over the Erskine Bridge, ignoring the Anti-Suicide Barrier.
Dumbarton Castle Rock.
Balloch (centre of my universe).
Loch Lomond-side A82.
Crianlarich. (we're on a mini hoon)
The Green Welly (jfgi!)
Rannoch Moor.
The mighty Glencoe.
Ballachulish Bridge.
Fort William, where you can often see the whole of Ben Nevis from the town. Where the stream train featured in Harry Potter sets off every day (Summer Season) for Mallaig.
And that's just a short taster. Loads and loads more to enjoy.
Wow now that's one hell of a list, thanks m8! I'll be sure to try to visit all of those!

Ok so... Got the tour for when I go there in January (it will be only 4 days tho). Now regarding actually living in Scotland, any tips on cities and areas according to my preferences that I stated above?

Thank you!

Best regards!

Terzo123

4,309 posts

207 months

Tuesday 7th November 2017
quotequote all
Most cities in Scotland will provide what you are looking for.
Glasgow is the biggest, reasonable housing costs compared to Edinburgh. Plenty of Soccer teams to choose from, massive and varied choice of nightlife. The best shopping facilities in the country, decent transport links and a wide variety of decent commuter towns.

Edinburgh is arguably a prettier city.

It's all down to individual preference . You need to try it for yourself.

The highlands and islands could provide a totally different type of lifestyle if you are after an even bigger change.

xqst

Original Poster:

11 posts

76 months

Tuesday 7th November 2017
quotequote all
I guess I'm gonna try Glasgow since it's something "cheap" and with reasonable night life as u said... Any specific area you would recommend according what my preferences?

Thanks

Best regards

Terzo123

4,309 posts

207 months

Tuesday 7th November 2017
quotequote all
It really depends on your budget. West end, Byres Road and surrounding areas are nice. The city centre, merchant city are also great. For cheaper living and close proximity to the city the new Gorbals, Dennistoun, Partick are good areas to start looking.

Search on here for places to rent/buy to give you an idea

http://www.rightmove.co.uk/property-for-sale/Glasg...

Edited by Terzo123 on Tuesday 7th November 20:05

xqst

Original Poster:

11 posts

76 months

Tuesday 7th November 2017
quotequote all
I'll be going there in January, I'll be sure to pay a visit to Patrick (as the other ones you mentioned I don't really know). Some people gave me a few recommendations of the following locations, (the ones with the " * " are the preferred ones) any opinion of 'em?

Glasgow:

Eaglesham
Bearsden
Newton Mearns *
Shawlands *
East Dunbartonshire *

GetCarter

29,358 posts

278 months

Tuesday 7th November 2017
quotequote all
Just a word of warning (which you probably know). In January, it's 17+ hours of darkness this far north.