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Original poster

Single mum

305 replies

PITH1 · 19/03/2023 21:41

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

OP posts:
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Ricco12 · 19/03/2023 22:33

You will love Scotland. Way less busy than England. I'm sure I'm 1 years time you and your kids will be very settled and happy.

Starlightstarbright1 · 19/03/2023 22:36

I moved to a new area when. My ds was under 2- toddler groups are your friend .

Gingerbread if they have them nearby.

You need to.push yourself a but say hi to people - school runs , park.etc.

Its tough but paint on a smile .

Soakitup37 · 19/03/2023 22:39

Good luck this sounds so exciting (although I appreciate a lot of other things too)

Im a single/co-parent and have dreamed endlessly of the day I could move away and start over similar to this, but I am tied to my location by circumstances. You are living my dream!

you are amazing for doing this I’m in awe of you!

happyp123 · 19/03/2023 22:40

I live in Scotland, it’s a great place I’m sure you will all settle in well. I don’t know your financial situation but you may be eligible for the Scottish child payment for both your children. This is an additional payment to child benefit. Worth looking into it to see if you are eligible. Good luck with the move.

Comii9 · 19/03/2023 22:41

Very brave no advice. Maybe try post on Scotsnet

WGACA · 19/03/2023 22:41

Good luck! I’m rooting for you. You deserve to be happy.

itsmschanandlerbong · 19/03/2023 22:44

You're so brave, best of luck with the move. I live nearby Glasgow, if you have any questions just ask.

Comedycook · 19/03/2023 22:44

Just want to say well done..you've made a really brave decision. You've prioritised finding a home for your children...that's amazing. I've never been to Scotland but I've only heard positive things about it. Wish you all the best

DidyouNO · 19/03/2023 22:47

I moved to Scotland having never been with my ex husband but we divorced pretty soon after and I didn't know anyone. I have to say it's the loveliest place I've ever lived. I'm about 1hr south of glasgow and it's so beautiful. I'm sure it won't take long to settle in and meet people. I used to be an army wife too so I know how hard it is to move to completely new areas with no support or previous knowledge. But sometimes it's a real chance to 'reinvent' yourself. Wipe clean the slate and be who you want to be. I'm excited for you! You'll do wonderfully and the children will have the best life up here, I'm sure.
Good luck!! X

winningeasy · 19/03/2023 23:00

Happy Mother's Day, you sound like a very inspiring mummy!

Scotland is amazing, the people are great and there's a more liberal attitude there generally. Lots of good holiday options locally too.

Good luck on your new journey, it sounds incredibly positive, I am sure you'll make some new friends and all will be good x

Original poster
PITH1 · 19/03/2023 23:05

Thanks again everyone, really kind. I will be in West Dunbartonshire .. Had a really nice few days when we visited and found lots to do. Took them in to Glasgow for one of the days and visited the Kelvingrove museum which they loved as my son is a big dinosaur/animals fan and went to the big park there too. Also visited Loch Lomond which was just beautiful. Checked out what will be our local library/park and things like that too. There is a swimming pool literally right by the flat too so that will be good. We are constantly out and about so I'm sure we will find lots to do although tbh that's partly from not having a permanent home so it will be nice to have a place to call our own and chill out there too. I was expecting it to be a dump but it's actually really nice and all decorated white. It has no flooring but I will sort that out as and when I can. I go from being really excited to being really nervous - but I know I will handle it x

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Blossomtoes · 19/03/2023 23:16

What a beautiful, life affirming post. I hope you and your kids are as happy as you obviously deserve.

giggly · 19/03/2023 23:23

Welcome to Scotland, lots of benefits to living up here. If you’re heading towards West Dumbarton there will be FB pages for locals which are a goldmine for information. In terms of schools we tend to go to the nearest to your house unless you put a placing request in. Very different(and easier) than the English system. With the Naval port in Helensburgh there is loads of English people in the area so you’ll not feel alone.
Good luck and what an adventure.

SchoolTripDrama · 19/03/2023 23:26

Starlightstarbright1 · 19/03/2023 22:36

I moved to a new area when. My ds was under 2- toddler groups are your friend .

Gingerbread if they have them nearby.

You need to.push yourself a but say hi to people - school runs , park.etc.

Its tough but paint on a smile .

Gingerbread local groups went decades ago!

Original poster
PITH1 · 19/03/2023 23:33

Thanks again everyone and that's good advice giggly about joining local FB groups. I've not had FB for years but I think I will sign up to join some local groups and also selling pages as we are arriving with literally just our clothes/kids toys. I've ordered beds/mattresses/bedding though. Luckily my kids think it's all just one big exciting adventure 😊

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TeenLifeMum · 19/03/2023 23:41

I’m so excited for you and wish you every happiness in your new home. My only advice is to get some good waterproofs as it can be wet but still beautiful so don’t let that stop you going outside, just get the wellies on. Good luck!

Gingerkittykat · 20/03/2023 00:03

My advice is to get in touch with your community centre and see what is going on. Mine do loads for both adults and kids from cooking lessons for families, sewing lessons for adults to discussion groups. They are a great way to get involved with your new community.

Antihistamine62 · 20/03/2023 00:08

Not sure of your financial situation but in Scotland you get a community care grant that funds flooring/carpets and white goods - might be worth asking about it if you think you will qualify for it.

TeaEggsHamAndBiscuits · 20/03/2023 00:09

I have done this and not looked back. There might be days when the kids and you get sick and I found it helpful to keep paper plates and cups and bin bags, so I could feed everyone through a flu, kept things going. Also a back up freezer is helpful.

You can self refer your child for speech and language therapy.

Get involved with things to make friends. It is tough going but you can get there.

Also find out if you are entitled to DLA for the youngest child.

C2190 · 20/03/2023 00:17

I live in Scotland and I'm roughly about 20 minutes away from Glasgow City Centre. You've got this, I wish you all the best and a happy bright future ahead in your new home with your little ones x

WinterMusings · 20/03/2023 00:29

@PITH1 what am amazing opportunity for a new start! It's fabulous your kids are seeing it as an adventure.

you're doing the right thing!!

I love Scotland & found everyone really friendly.

definitely check out all the Grants for flooring & anything else. Schemes designed to help you out.

im really excited for you!!

CatchHimDerry · 20/03/2023 00:33

As PP have said, this is a brave choice and I’m sure you won’t regret it. Or, as my best pal constantly reminds me, “we regret the things in life we didn’t do, rather than those we did”

Grab the bull by the horns and all that! What an amazing opportunity

All the luck in the world to you ❤️

Maves · 20/03/2023 00:53

It is one of the most deprived areas and a lot of trouble, check out crime statistics etc etc it's alright going on a trip somewhere and loving it but reality can be alot different just hope you've done defo research on the area and it's def for you as no going back

Makingamess4212 · 20/03/2023 01:13

Only advice would be to follow your instincts, sounds like you're doing great and this sounds like a wonderful opportunity!
Glasgow is beautiful, the people are friendly, the city is alive, and Scotland is so far ahead of us in so many ways. I absolutely love going there, your kids will love it.

Oh, I would advise to listen to some Scottish accents online, and research different words/phrases. I can manage most, but the Glasgow accent is so strong and thick, sometimes I just couldn't follow along!

Badbudgeter · 20/03/2023 01:30

I don't know if it helps but when you move to Scotland if you're entitled to any UC you'll be entitled to the Scottish child payment which will be an extra £50 a week for 2 children. It'll be backdated from the day you apply so I'd get it sorted as soon as you move.