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AIBU?

Share your dilemmas and get honest opinions from other Mumsnetters.

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

83 replies

bobdylanlover · Yesterday 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:
LauritaEvita · Yesterday 19:37

I think many of us were looking dreamily at the temperatures in northern Scotland during the heatwave. I think the heat will make more and more consider moving up there over the next few years.

blythet · Yesterday 19:40

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

bobdylanlover · Yesterday 19:42

blythet · Yesterday 19:40

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

I currently live near the rainiest city in the UK. So I am used to rain. I don't care about it.

OP posts:
bobdylanlover · Yesterday 19:43

LauritaEvita · Yesterday 19:37

I think many of us were looking dreamily at the temperatures in northern Scotland during the heatwave. I think the heat will make more and more consider moving up there over the next few years.

This is what I'm wondering. And I wonder whether it's better to do it now than in 5 years times when more and more people want to move.

OP posts:
scotlandundersiege · Yesterday 19:44

Go for it. Move to the borders/lothian. Closer to civilisation and trips back home than moving to the highlands.

scotlandundersiege · Yesterday 19:45

Scotland is like mini England now anyway.

scotlandundersiege · Yesterday 19:46

North wales? Northern Ireland?

flowerfake · Yesterday 19:46

Or buy air con for your home?

bobdylanlover · Yesterday 19:47

flowerfake · Yesterday 19:46

Or buy air con for your home?

And stay inside for the entire summer?

OP posts:
UnctuousUnicorns · Yesterday 19:50

LauritaEvita · Yesterday 19:37

I think many of us were looking dreamily at the temperatures in northern Scotland during the heatwave. I think the heat will make more and more consider moving up there over the next few years.

DH and I were remarking on this last month. We're originally from NW England but moved to Scotland 32 years ago, currently live in NE Glasgow. I don't think it's reached higher than 26°C all summer.

oatybiscuits · Yesterday 19:51

Id suggest going on holiday in the off season first, January is a very different beast to July.

bobdylanlover · Yesterday 19:55

oatybiscuits · Yesterday 19:51

Id suggest going on holiday in the off season first, January is a very different beast to July.

Thanks for your comment. I've been during the Autumn and winter before and I prefer it. I really don't mind a cold and darker climate.

OP posts:
AgnesX · Yesterday 19:55

In Glasgow where it's raining just now. I hate getting wet going to/coming from work. Remember it gets colder here too. Cold and wet's no fun either

sunseasand25 · Yesterday 19:55

oatybiscuits · Yesterday 19:51

Id suggest going on holiday in the off season first, January is a very different beast to July.

And have a look at how much more income tax you’ll need to pay as well!

Rockfrock · Yesterday 20:02

@oatybiscuits makes a good point to go stay in the depths of January and see if you still feel positive. I’ve left Scotland for the South this year and I’m really enjoying the heat. I’ve had to buy loads of T-shirts and shorts as didn’t have many. Follow your heart and instincts. We are happily all different.

user1476613140 · Yesterday 20:06

Enjoy the long winters! And dark when you leave in the morning and come home at night. Pitch black.

I wouldn't have it any other way!

RedRiverShore6 · Yesterday 20:08

You could go near Inverness and the Moray coast as it's quite nice there and not too wet. A holiday is probably a good idea to see what it's like

MelonSorbet · Yesterday 20:09

It got up to 27 degrees where I live in Scotland this summer. That's still pretty hot btw.

StylesSluttyShorts · Yesterday 20:10

I'll swap.
I hate the weather in Scotland, I'm currently in London to get a week of what feels like summer, and I was here for two weeks in June/July.
Scotland is so so often dull, and grey, and chilly in summer, I find it terribly depressing.

MyNeedyLilacBird · Yesterday 20:10

God no my husband and I are moving out of scotland. Thiugh we are central belt and it prettys much a dump. SNP have run it into the ground. The long miserable dark winters and pretty much wet summers- we've had it. Went down south and it was glorious. lovely heat! You get the odd warm day or week but nothing consistent

Rockfrock · Yesterday 20:11

@sunseasand25 Doh! I should also have said we have £300 in our joint account more a month after our move 400 miles. We save £130 on gas and electricity, £100 on council tax and water, and £70 on alcohol tax. (Beer is £1.19 not £1.79 for example.)
Dentist is the main additional expense.

Firetreev · Yesterday 20:11

scotlandundersiege · Yesterday 19:45

Scotland is like mini England now anyway.

It's not. Scottish people are quite different from the English. There's a different mindset and attitude to life in Scotland.

bobdylanlover · Yesterday 20:13

Firetreev · Yesterday 20:11

It's not. Scottish people are quite different from the English. There's a different mindset and attitude to life in Scotland.

I agree. I believe the Welsh are more similar to the Scots.

OP posts:
Summerunlover · Yesterday 20:16

We live down south and are looking at moving to the north east because of the heat. I can’t take it anymore

rocklivia · Yesterday 20:16

bobdylanlover · Yesterday 20:13

I agree. I believe the Welsh are more similar to the Scots.

Not at all !