Am having wobbles about moving to Scotland - tell me some good things about it pls

[Pruni]

First, I am Scottish. I love Scotland - it's gorgeous. But I have been away a long long time and I feel like I don't know the country any more.

Every time I go back I feel like Scotland has become more parochial and inward-looking. Now I know this can't be true...(can it?) but people seem so disinclined to talk about anything other than Scotland and Scottish things and I don't know if I can stand that for the rest of my life.

I know there have been lots of very good things that have changed since I left, the smoking ban for one. Just saw on another thread that humanist wedding ceremonies are now legal - very cool.

Tell me more....I know I'm going to love it again but if you could bolster the country's reputation it would be a big help!

Sometimes I miss Colorado. But I wouldn't trade this for anything.

Especially b/c people actually get decent holiday here AND healthcare is not tied to your job.

No more wobblies now, Pruni, you'll have a great birth experience at Edinburgh Royal Infirmary and we'll be happy to look after your wee one when you go into labour - although my girl is quite the flirt!

I really miss Take the High Road - which was imported by Ulster tv and RTE in the south. I want to go to Glendarroch, like the kids who want to go to Balamoray. And the villages round St Andrews are lovely in a twee kind of way. and good cake and bread that you know the name of, I never know what loaves are called in England.

I am dead jealous of you Pruni - wich I could up sticks from London bck to Glasgow ;) As everyone has already said.....friendlier people, better lifestyle at less cost, only 30 mins in the car/train and you are in Fife, the Borders, Perth, Stirling......need I go on.

What I dont like about living in the SE England is that it takes at least an hour to get anywhere remotely scenic, clean air, less built-up.

Also, being on the Central belt you can easily get to Edinburgh or Glasgow airports which fly direct to many destinations which means no Heathrow/Gatwick.

It's beautiful. Not much else needs be said I've hoildayed in Scotland for many years (until recently) and I have to say that it has become less parochial and Scotland-centred. I used to feel scared to open my mouth in some places with my very English accent and rp.... There is still the odd bit of anti-English cr*p but TBH it used to be worse with expat Scots that I met when I was at uni in Wales [sad

Have to say that many of the pluses that others have mentioned such as strangers chatting and people being friendly are not confined to north of the border. Anywhere that isn't the SE of England seems to manage that pretty well

I live there. And chapsmum does (in Glasgow I think). What else is there to know ?

Oooooh the music - has anyone mentioned that? Love it. Dd is learning a gaelic poem for the mod and we are enjoying that just now as well.