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Original poster

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:
Willope · 27/08/2026 14:14

I would really advise anyone contemplating moving to Scotland to put their salary through money savings expert income tax calculator to see the difference in tax you may face. It’s good to fully understand the financial implications before making the move.

aliasfrog · 27/08/2026 14:42

The weather isn't really that different. We've had multiple weeks of 30° weather in central Scotland this year, although the average is much cooler.
Don't just move somewhere for the climate, the culture up here is very different and it's a big move going to a new country.
But if you've thought it all through properly and still want to move here, go for it!!
People will say about winters but honestly I haven't noticed any difference to England except it's dark until about 8.30am in midwinter.
Oh and you might be taxed a tiny amount more but eye tests, dentist checkups, prescriptions are all free plus we have free bus passes for students, council tax is less and includes your water bills, so the savings potentially outweigh the costs.

FudgeFudy · 27/08/2026 14:51

SunshineOnARainyLeith · 27/08/2026 14:05

Pitlochry is beautiful! Lucky you! Definitely chilly in winter but stunning scenery and a gorgeous town, and friendly. I make regular trips from Edinburgh to its gem of a theatre - i could rave all day it. And close to Hermitage, Dunkeld and Birnam etc.

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It does seem very nice - to be honest I don't know a huge amount about it as really we've just stopped off there on the way further north and it's the ease of getting to lots of the highlands that's attracting us as much as the town itself. But it's got more amenities that the small town/big village we're in now and I like the cold so I reckon I'll love it! Aberfeldy is an option too. People go on about higher tax but I really couldn't care less.

UnctuousUnicorns · 27/08/2026 15:06

TaraRhu · 27/08/2026 12:41

Trust me , it will be less appealing when you realise you haven't seen a clear sky of temperature above 16 degrees for years on end. You'll envy seeing the news and actual summers and not having the heating on year round. Plus they skin you for income tax and stamp duty.

It's Scotland not the fucking Arctic Circle! 🤣

Aussiesgettingsmashed · 27/08/2026 15:16

Nicelynicelyjohnson · 27/08/2026 10:48

Where are these stats from?
Nothing I've online matches this.
(Interested as I live very close to one of these places and don't think it's particularly wet)

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I just put rainiest places in UK and it was the top one. The south west is the region with the most cities for highest annual rainfall with 5. Plymouth, Exeter, Bournemouth, Cheltenham and Bristol.

EvieBB · 27/08/2026 15:22

user1476613140 · 27/08/2026 12:32

Well, move out of Scotland if you don't like paying high taxes. No one is forcing a gun to your head to stay.

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...but if your live is there with friends and family and work etc etc etc it's not that easy.... People are allowed to have a good moan

StylesSluttyShorts · 27/08/2026 15:22

aliasfrog · 27/08/2026 14:42

The weather isn't really that different. We've had multiple weeks of 30° weather in central Scotland this year, although the average is much cooler.
Don't just move somewhere for the climate, the culture up here is very different and it's a big move going to a new country.
But if you've thought it all through properly and still want to move here, go for it!!
People will say about winters but honestly I haven't noticed any difference to England except it's dark until about 8.30am in midwinter.
Oh and you might be taxed a tiny amount more but eye tests, dentist checkups, prescriptions are all free plus we have free bus passes for students, council tax is less and includes your water bills, so the savings potentially outweigh the costs.

Edited

Multiple weeks of 30?
I'm near Glasgow and there hasn't.

TourDeChance · 27/08/2026 15:23

I'm with you OP. Can't stand living another summer like this one. Fortunately, a move is on the cards anyway. I would give the move a go, especially to Scotland. You sound a bit trapped anyway even if in a gilded cage.

LlynTegid · 27/08/2026 15:24

I think the one thing should you check and see that you are OK with is the reduced level of daylight in winter compared with where you live now. If that's ok for you, then go for it.

I lived in the north east for three years when younger and that is the reason I would never go back. December and January I would have barely finished Sunday lunch and then it would start getting towards dark.

Roseshavethorns · 27/08/2026 15:27

I hate how these threads always turn into Scotland hating threads. Or people try and make political points (and fail). People paint a picture of Scotland that I genuinely don't recognise.
If you look hard enough you will find negatives in every area.
The last time I was in England I stood behind a woman (in her work uniform) in a pharmacy discussing which of her prescriptions she could do without as she couldn't afford them all. Was I shocked? Of course, it shouldn't be like that. But that doesn't mean everyone there is in the same situation. Look at the recent tragic news in Cleveland or the teenage stabbings in English city centres. Does that mean the whole country is lawless?
If you don't like Scotland, don't visit. Or if you hate living here do what others do and move to somewhere that suits you better. Only you are responsible for your own happiness and life is too short to be somewhere you hate.

EasternStandard · 27/08/2026 15:45

It’d be too chilly for me but up to you. If it’s what you’d prefer why not

Madamefroufrou · 27/08/2026 15:51

this initial post and subsequent responses is an example of the maxim “you can’t have everything’ and in life we don’t, we give up one thing for the other, make sacrifices, who gets to have every thing to their satisfaction? Scotland is not England but farther North, the mindset is different, sometimes the sacrifice is too great, sometimes the rewards are worthy, to achieve you must jump

Differentforgirls · 27/08/2026 16:06

FiveTwoFaster · 27/08/2026 07:24

I am like you - I can’t stand hot weather but I had AC fitted and it made all the difference. I used to live in Scotland up by Fochabers and while I don’t like the heat and I don’t mind the rain and didn’t think I had a probably with the Scottish weather at all )dress for it), one of the biggest surprises to me was how much dry weather puts you in a better mood.

This summer the AC has meant a good night’s sleep whatever happens, somewhere to retreat to if necessary, but also I’ve been happier to sit outside to have breakfast or eat in the evenings in the garden as those are the coolest bits of the day. I won’t deny I did look at Peak District houses on the day it was 37C. But Scotland is too much the other way. And wow the SNP have fucked it.

Get AC so you have a retreat. Cheaper than stamp duty!

In what way is it “fucked”?

Rockfrock · 27/08/2026 16:18

sometimes the rewards are worthy, to achieve you must jump

Having made the ‘jump’ – or, more accurately, slithered over the ‘hurdle of fire’ – seven months ago, may I just say, it really isn’t for those of a nervous disposition!
Selling under one legal system and buying in another is a gargantuan leap – a maelstrom of absolute fear, exhilaration and stress. Particularly when, like us, your furniture has already crossed the border and you still haven’t actually exchanged on your new home!
But seven months on? Absolutely no regrets.

Differentforgirls · 27/08/2026 16:25

Willope · 27/08/2026 11:24

And people were thinking the anti English bigotry had ended. Nope! Alive and kicking sadly. Why do you think the SNP keep getting voted in despite being truly terrible at governing?

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Do we hate the Welsh and Northern Irish too?

Differentforgirls · 27/08/2026 16:27

TaraRhu · 27/08/2026 12:41

Trust me , it will be less appealing when you realise you haven't seen a clear sky of temperature above 16 degrees for years on end. You'll envy seeing the news and actual summers and not having the heating on year round. Plus they skin you for income tax and stamp duty.

I’m in Scotland. Haven’t had my heating on since April

WestwardHo1 · 27/08/2026 16:30

Midges and the SNP.

If you live in Cardiff OP, try maybe west Wales? Or Cornwall. We have had a lovely summer down here and it definitely hasn't been in "too hot" territory.

The winters are utter shite though. At least it's lighter than Scotland and less midgey!

Differentforgirls · 27/08/2026 16:32

Willope · 27/08/2026 13:45

No you don’t. Health is widely to acknowledged to cost much more and give a far worse outcome. Educational attainment has failen off a cliff and is getting worse year on year. Google the PISA statistics to see how bad. On top of this violence within schools is soaring due to the Scottish government’s policy of inclusion. But instead of actually admitting and tackling these issues, the SNP have the audacity to deny there’s an issue. And yet they get voted in year after year because the bigots love them.

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Bigots?

Stickywillow · 27/08/2026 16:36

Scotland has had much warmer summers and milder winters in recent years. It's really not that cold. January and February are really the only cold months. It's barely dropped below 20 for months, same last summer, although we did at least get a little rain this summer.
I actually find it too warm and am looking forward to autumn. It's 20'c today, I am in my garden in a vest top, and it's almost September.

UKAddendum · 27/08/2026 16:38

I relocated to Scotland after living in Spain for 7 years. The heat wasn't the only reason, but the increasing risk of fires and general discomfort was a factor. England isnt as extreme, but i do sympathise. Don't underestimate how difficult it is to settle socially and build a network. You may be cool but isolated and a bit lonely. That said, Scotland is much friendlier than England. I'm in the Borders. Can you rent for a bit before jumping?

StylesSluttyShorts · 27/08/2026 17:15

Stickywillow · 27/08/2026 16:36

Scotland has had much warmer summers and milder winters in recent years. It's really not that cold. January and February are really the only cold months. It's barely dropped below 20 for months, same last summer, although we did at least get a little rain this summer.
I actually find it too warm and am looking forward to autumn. It's 20'c today, I am in my garden in a vest top, and it's almost September.

It was very much below 20, a lot.
Why are people making up temperatures on here?

Stickywillow · 27/08/2026 17:19

StylesSluttyShorts · 27/08/2026 17:15

It was very much below 20, a lot.
Why are people making up temperatures on here?

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Not in south East Scotland it hasn't. Maybe a couple of days around 18c but it's been a steady 20 all summer in my part of Scotland, with a few hotter days. Obviously there can be a 10c difference further north. Bit like there is a difference between north and south England temperatures 🤷

netflixfan · 27/08/2026 17:54

I know a few people who have done this. Don't hesitate if you love Scotland. May I suggest Galloway? Beautiful.

Sometimessmiling · 27/08/2026 17:58

blythet · 26/08/2026 19:40

As long as you’re prepared for long miserable, wet winters too

It's not always like that....I can assure you

liveforsummer · 27/08/2026 18:03

LlynTegid · 27/08/2026 15:24

I think the one thing should you check and see that you are OK with is the reduced level of daylight in winter compared with where you live now. If that's ok for you, then go for it.

I lived in the north east for three years when younger and that is the reason I would never go back. December and January I would have barely finished Sunday lunch and then it would start getting towards dark.

Edited

Days where it’s dull and grey it can barely get light