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AIBU?

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AIBU to consider moving to Scotland because I cannot cope with heat?

332 replies

bobdylanlover · 26/08/2026 19:32

I can't stand the heat. I holiday pretty much only in snowy places, some of which get dark very early. I have not coped well this summer. I also have a heart problem that isn't helped by hot weather. It's making me seriously consider moving to Scotland. My mum and dad, in their 70s, are somewhat open to also making the move with us - we are close emotionally and geographically and they wouldn't want to be away from my daughter.

The problem is this. I have lived within the same 10 miles for the majority of my nearly 40 years of existence (aside from uni, and living in Europe 3 times briefly). We have good friends here, it's a nice area, we have a lovely home. A nice primary school round the corner etc. Good neighbours. Parents round the corner. We both are happy in our work and can work remotely. Nothing is technically 'wrong' aside from how hot the summers are becoming. For example, there were loads of local things I didn't go to/do this summer because it was too hot.

I feel sick at the thought of leaving everything and jumping into the unknown. But part of me doesn't want to live and die within the same 10 miles anyway. I feel like I've exhausted almost everything here. I can't think of anywhere new to go any more and I find that utterly depressing.

My partner and I have always loved Scotland. Always. The nature and the space, the friendly people. So it's not an idea plucked out of thin air. It's been something that I've wondered about on/off for years.

Is it normal to feel so sick at the prospect of making such a big move? If I stay here will I regret not having tried it? Do you think the weather (and writing off 3 months each summer) is reason enough to do this? I can't settle on one idea. Sometimes I just think it's easier to do nothing but everything suggests that hot summers are going to be our new 'normal'.

OP posts:
Shangle · 30/08/2026 19:28

Differentforgirls · 30/08/2026 14:57

What?

What what?

Differentforgirls · 30/08/2026 20:23

Mightymuscle · 30/08/2026 18:49

Differentforgirls Again, cost of housing. A lot of those who moved for tax purposes earned over £40k. Suggest you check Scottish Gov taxation.

I don’t have to. I live in Scotland. The extra tax is worth it.

Differentforgirls · 30/08/2026 20:26

Shangle · 30/08/2026 19:28

What what?

People buying holiday homes isn’t immigration.

ProBonoPublico · 30/08/2026 22:08

I used to live in London but moved to rural Lancashire some years ago, and have never regretted it. I still visit London and the south regularly - London is only 2 hours on the train from Preston - but for the first time this year I actually cancelled some meetings in London because of the heat. And a couple of clients actually suggested that they would like to come to me, just to escape the heat, which was a first.

The summer here has been generally very pleasant, mostly sunny (until a few days ago) with temperatures in the early to mid-20s, which is my ideal temperature. House prices are reasonable (though many people are surprised that in popular rural areas they aren't that much different from the south east), there are good schools and Manchester is close by for the `city' type things, though I'm not going to pretend it's anything like London - no UK city is.

So you don't have to go as far as Scotland to escape the furnace - I love visiting Scotland, but I'm afraid the long dark winter nights would make it impossible for me to live there - as northern England offers a realistic alternative. But you'd better get a move on, as house prices will be rising rapidly!

Noodles1234 · 31/08/2026 05:49

I don’t think you’re the only one considering moving to a cooler part, even the south west / Wales etc is cooler. I love the winter, rain, cosy darker days etc. I just feel happier than hot oppressive days where you feel yuk and sweaty.

rocklivia · 31/08/2026 10:26

ProBonoPublico · 30/08/2026 22:08

I used to live in London but moved to rural Lancashire some years ago, and have never regretted it. I still visit London and the south regularly - London is only 2 hours on the train from Preston - but for the first time this year I actually cancelled some meetings in London because of the heat. And a couple of clients actually suggested that they would like to come to me, just to escape the heat, which was a first.

The summer here has been generally very pleasant, mostly sunny (until a few days ago) with temperatures in the early to mid-20s, which is my ideal temperature. House prices are reasonable (though many people are surprised that in popular rural areas they aren't that much different from the south east), there are good schools and Manchester is close by for the `city' type things, though I'm not going to pretend it's anything like London - no UK city is.

So you don't have to go as far as Scotland to escape the furnace - I love visiting Scotland, but I'm afraid the long dark winter nights would make it impossible for me to live there - as northern England offers a realistic alternative. But you'd better get a move on, as house prices will be rising rapidly!

My friends from there used to complain about the dank rainy winters and how they preferred the cold brisk days of East Scotland.

Payitforward55 · 31/08/2026 10:53

I couldn't take the heat I've def got the Northern Celtic genes. I would start with taking everyone for a long weekend or two and start looking at houses. Could you rent initially?

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