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

[bobdylanlover]

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'.

In 5 years time we could have had a couple of crap rainy summers and everyone will be wishing they could move to SE England where they’d managed some sun

There's many times this summer when it's grey and dull, warm, as in 20 degrees and very humid.
That's the absolute worst.

Yes 2024 basically rained from January. Dc ride and events were cancelled all spring and early summer due to water logged ground. There was a small reprieve in early June then the day schools broke up for the holidays the rain came back on and that was that. Some days hot rain, some days cold, but rain all the same. It was depressing. We’ve had 2 ok summers so probably due another of those soon. We’re definitely due a bad winter or 2 after the last couple being reasonable.

I'm happy living in South East England from September through to May. The summers are challenging but we go north for our summer holidays which helps.
Our recent summer holidays have been to Northern Ireland, North Wales, Northumberland, the Yorkshire Coast, and Norway.

DH and I have had exactly the same conversation. The only thing that is putting me off right now is how hard I find the dark of February in the north of Scotland. Perhaps the south though.

One that hates the English.

As long as you’re ok with lots of wet weather and biting midges in the summer, you’ll be fine.

Depends where you live. We don't have either

am Scottish born and bred similar age and its been a nightmare here heat wise plus all the midges and am in Edinburgh

Dont bother. The weather is back to normal now. Grey and depressing.

Just like Scotland is for most of the year 🤣🤣

Eh?

Most of them already hate us. Bet they can’t wait for us all moving there to escape the heat.

Do it.
If it turns out you don't like it then you can move back.

My friend moved to the highlands a couple of years ago and has already acclimatised although it does mean that she's now sweltering when it's 20° so it's not like she's never too hot.

On the whole she's enjoying it but does find the extended periods of relentless grey and rain very depressing, it's one thing being cooler but still bright but when it's cooler and constantly grey for weeks it gets you down.

She has noticed that a lot of people move there for a few years then go back to England and is thinking she'll probably do the same in a few years.

Proportionally, more Scots live in England than English people live in Scotland…

I am in Scotland and was looking dreamily at the heat in England

Tempting. We were up there last week and the grass was actually green. A second home for the summer might be nice, just a two bed flat or something in one of the cities or towns.

Or look at how much less your house will cost and how much less the council tax is.

What you mean the extra £29 per month for someone on £45k? I’m sure the free prescriptions, university education etc makes up for it.

Most of "them" couldn't give a shit if you are English or not. Believe it or not, it's not all about you.

I moved from Essex to Yorkshire. So much better.

You're braver than me 😳.

OP you already said you have a condition which might be exacerbated by higher temperatures. The temperatures in the south east this Summer have hit me really hard both physically and mentally (in my 60s) - I've wanted to move to Scotland for years and now thinking that I may have no other choice in a few years (cant move at the moment). If you can bear to leave friends and family behind then I'd do it.

In what way please? I'm curious....

Whereabouts? The midges in summer are unbelievable. I'd rather roast alive than take a walk in the Highlands in summer.

Ireland rains a lot. I think my family would head back over there. I'd just get air con.

I’ve lived here since I left home at 17 (ten years ago now) and had my three children here. I love it even though it’s drizzly, dark, and wet. I much prefer it to England but I am from an actual shit hole in England, vs having lived in alright areas of Scotland.

I will say though when it does even get moderately hot here the men seem to take their tops off more than in England. Most of the time it’s an eyesore but you do see the odd fit one.

As for the “they all hate us” stuff - they don’t mind me. I get the odd joke but never had an issue. Some of my English uni friends who were very posh were disliked instantly though, I do think the northern accent got me some leeway.