Moving to Scotland at end of year - Where to live?

[Thistle1220]

Hi all,

I'm new to mumsnet, so just a bit of background:

My husband is Scottish and I am American. We have been living in the US, but are looking to move back to the UK by the end of this year or early next (depending on the state of the world/pandemic etc..). We are also hoping to start a family this year or next. I've been to Scotland many times, but I am at a bit of a loss as to what location to focus in on!

Things we would love:
-Within an 45min or so from either Edinburgh or Glasgow (although willing to move farther away if we really love the area!)
-Access to beautiful scenery/walks
-Nice community to meet other young families

I know the world is a bit crazy right now, but all this time locked up inside is making me want to plan for our next adventure! If anyone has any suggestions of Scottish towns/areas to look into, it'd be much appreciated!

Thanks!

Depends on your budget and how rural you want, i was brought up in Dunblane and always recommend it on these threads and I currently live in Dollar which is lovely but post primary schooling gets complicated. Neither of these places are cheap but do have some affordable properties if you're not fussy about archtecture.

I would post on Scotsnet

What’s your budget ?

Agree with Wbeezer Dunblane should be on your list. Bridge of Allan also. A lot depends on your budget.

Totally depends on budget. Perth is nice - about an hour to both Edinburgh Glasgow and an hour north takes you to Pitlochry.

Loads of scenery just a short distance out of the city, which is much quieter in comparison to Edinburgh and Glasgow so barely feels like a city at all.

I live in South Ayrshire. Ten minutes to the Galloway Forest, ten minutes to the beaches. And if we fancy it, within 90 minutes we are at the start of the Highlands. Absolutely love it. And Glasgow is only 45 minutes away when we want a night out.

Stirling is a lovely place to live - it's got some of the Dunblane and Dollar location, but more of a town (small city, at least on paper!) if you'd prefer that. Bigger setting means more options for schools, nurseries, transport, activities on doorstep. Excellent community, good parks and easy access to either Glasgow/Edinburgh or the Great outdoors. There's quite a range of property types/prices available.

Stirling area, dunblane, Cambusbarron etc I love it here and close enough to Glasgow for work takes 40 mins in car friendly and surroundings perfect 👌 sure many people will have ideas too 😊

I hate these threads, they always seem to be about Scotland, as if it’s some tiny place. Surely where you live will depend on where you get a job, where you can afford etc?

Budget would be helpful.

Ayrshire.

Look into Dunbar, East Lothian! I grew up there. It's a beautiful harbour town which has expanded quite a bit in the last few years. Beautiful beaches and two harbours. Lots of places to walk (John muir country park to name one)
I have amazingly fond memories of growing up there.
20 mins train ride to Edinburgh. About 30 mins by car, maybe longer to the center of Edinburgh.

Ooh north Berwick would be my choice!!

Beautiful and easy commute to Edinburgh

Have a friend who lives in Comrie near Crieff and he seems terribly happy as does his son.

Wow, Thank you all for the wonderful suggestions!

As far as budget, we aren't sure yet if we would rent or buy, but for rental, probably would want to stay under 1,500 pcm, and for buying, no more than 450k. We wouldn't be looking for very big properties though, just at least 2 bed!

We are in helensburgh and it fits all your needs!

@Littleelffriend
Both of us can work remotely, however husband's job would have offices in Glasgow and Edinburgh, so would be nice to have access to either city. Therefore, it opens up a lot of options for where we could live.

Please be aware that Scotland may not remain in the UK in the long-term. There is a growing movement for a 2nd referendum with a view to gaining independence and joining the EU.

Maybe that's worth taking into account.

At that budget you will have plenty of options. I would definitely be looking around Stirling, dunblane, Falkirk, bridge of Allan direction.

Houston.Bridge of Weir & Kilmacolm are all nice areas. Glasgow is 25 mins away in one direction & the beaches in Ayrshire or Loch Lomond are about the same distance in other directions. Great schools & for your budget you'll easily get a 4 bed detached house