Single mum

[PITH1]

I'm 30, a single mum of 2 DC (7 and 3), broke and moving 8 hours away to Scotland next week where we don't know a soul. I'm currently living in temporary accommodation and have no chance of being housed where I currently live. I added myself to open housing lists all over the UK and have been offered a gorgeous little maisonette flat in Scotland on the edge of a small town about 30min from Glasgow. Lots of green space and a small school. Have visited and really liked it. My children's father doesn't want anything to do with them and hasn't since my youngest was born so that isn't an issue. I don't have family support and I haven't been happy for a long time here and have been wanting a fresh start but I'm nervous and it's taken a lot of guts for me to do this. Does anyone have any stories/tips about moving far away on your own? Especially with young DC. Or can anyone tell me their experience of living in Scotland? Making friends there? Thanks for reading x

Ahh just come across this thread whilst searching mumsnet classics for something to read!

What a lovely story!

OP, I want to be just like you when I grow up. You sound like you have it all figured out!

Hi everyone ☺️ just thought I'd give another little update. Our home is really coming along now! I've shared 2 pics of part of the lounge/hallway when we moved in 😵‍💫 and how it looks today. So glad I took before photos so I can remember how far we have come 🥰 moving here was the best decision I ever made. My kids are thriving in school and have made a heap of friends. We've been up to so much, exploring new parks, going in to Glasgow, spending the day swimming in Loch Lomond which is just a 15min walk from my house .. ! Yesterday my daughter's school had a festival where they had live music, face painting, garland making etc. She loved it. Our life feels really full and good and I'm excited for what is to come next. I am just about to start driving lessons. It is a big decision but I would definitely recommend relocating to anyone in the same situation I was in a year ago. We are now settled in a beautiful place, with lovely people. What is not to love 😊 x

House looks lovely..what a difference!

Nice one op hope you and the kids have a great time this coming summer holidays 👍🏻.

Thank you 😊 my original plan was to go back to England for a little bit of the summer holidays but I honestly just can't be bothered. The kids don't want to either so we won't. Having too much fun exploring their new surroundings and saves me some cash to go towards the house ❤️

This is lovely x

I hope you enjoy Scotland OP. You have made a very sensible decision. You will soon make friends.

Love the blue flooring and stair carpet. You are making a lovely home. I love this thread full of positive vibes and love.

Omg those before and after pics are unbelievable - what a transformation!!!

So glad it's been going well for you. I was watching a TikTok about someone that had moved to Scotland and in the comments some guy commented that he'd helped his flat mate move up here one weekend and it's been 13 years so far and counting!!! Just loved it so much he stayed 😄

If you are staying at home over the summer, I've no doubt that you will have tons to explore etc. But if you fancy a day trip through to Edinburgh on the train then I would recommend getting off at Waverley, walking up Cockburn Street, then up the royal mile to the castle. From their take in the view and then take a right down the steps to the Grassmarket. After a dander down there, go back up to the mile and walk down all the way to the bottom of it to the royal palace and the Scottish Parliament. Have a splash in the ponds or chill at the foot of Arthur's Seat. There's a cafe in the Scottish Parliament and free tours. You don't need to spend much, take a picnic and there's usually loads of street performers to watch and take in. It can be busy but it's a great vibe in summer during the festival etc.

Such a sweet update, delighted to hear everyone is thriving. Getting you licence will be a game changer, you'll be so excited to have complete freedom to go wherever you wish.

Welcome to Scotland! 🙂

Such lovely updates. So happy for you all OP ❤️

Thinking about you, OP. How have the summer holidays been treating you? 🫣

Yes , hope you and the kids enjoyed the holidays . Just over a week 'til the kids go back to school now and you will be busy getting them ready to return for the new school year .

Scotland is absolutely beautiful. Join the youth hostel association and stay in different places.The Scots are friendly.

This is amazing! Congratulations that you got a house? How can I find out about the waiting list? I’m basically in the same situation and there’s nothing suitable! 😢

Hi everyone, this is the original poster! I locked myself out of my account and couldn't get back in for love nor money! So have set up this new one as I want to keep updating this thread 😊 thank you for checking in on me and the kids! Moving to Scotland is still the best decision I ever made 🥰 the three of us are thriving! We've had a lovely summer holiday break, although definitely ready for them to go back now 🙈 roll on Wednesday 🤣 my daughter has spent a lot of time playing out and it is so funny to hear her using Scottish words/phrases all the time. She says "just now" instead of right now, and yesterday she told me her room was a midden 🤣 we've done so much these past few weeks including more trips to Glasgow to watch the buskers, endless trips to Loch Lomond (I walk there from my house 🥰), Kelvingrove Museum again, the transport museum (really recommend this place and they had lots of crafty stuff for the kids too) all free of charge .. West Dunbartonshire Council have also been running free summer fun days for the kids which included fayre rides, face painting, pony rides so we went to that. It's really great. My home is coming along nicely now and I've been getting some accessories for the kids room now we have the main furniture. I'll attach some pics. I've also been adding some bits to my balcony and plan on getting a little chair so I can sit out there (when it stops raining 🤣). I've not been back to England and have no plans to .. We are all so much happier now and strangely I feel anxious at the thought of going back as I suppose it is a reminder of bad times. My daughter doesn't want to either. I asked her if Scotland feels like home now and she said yes, and it always will be ❤️

Aww it's so nice to hear all your good news op , keep it up!

Forgot to attach pics to the above comment! The kids bedroom is before my son's matress arrived 😊 also my little balcony, and my son enjoying the beautiful loch x

Thank you so much ❤️

Lots of places have their own housing associations. Some of them have long waiting lists. If you are willing to live rurally/ in a small village there tends to be more available.

It is more expensive living out in the sticks though, you often need a car etc.

Maybe have a look at this HA to see available properties.

https://www.trustha.org.uk/find-a-home/location-search/monamore-place-lamlash/

I forgot to mention also that I've made friends with so many of my neighbours now and have had so much kindness shown to us. My litte boy slipped in the bath the other day and cut his chin open on a bubble bath lid and had to have it stitched at the hospital. My neighbour knocked shortly after we got back at half 9 to check he was ok, as he said they were worrying and didn't want to go to bed until they knew he was alright 🥺❤️

so lovely to hear how happy you all are OP ☺️

Thank you so much for all the lovely comments :-) I'm also happy for anyone to PM me if they would like any advice on how I applied for my house as there has been a few comments. @Yolo12345 I am taking your suggestion from a couple months ago and taking the kids to Edinburgh today on the train! Looking forward to exploring even if it is raining 🤣 thank you as well to the poster who commented ages ago saying that if you go in to the ticket office then kids travel anywhere in Scotland for £1. It's saved me an absolute fortune over summer ☀️😊

@PITH12 so lovely to read your updates and your home is looking brilliant, not a midden at all! 😉

Hope you enjoyed the Edinburgh festival. You've seen the city at its busiest time!