Moving to Scotland/ Nairn

[SarahLex11]

Thinking of moving to Scotland with partner and two kids under 5. Anyone recently made the move and feeling happy with their location?
Am considering the Highlands/Nairn. Does anyone know what the schools are like there? Thanks

Have you ever been? I'd suggest visiting in winter and in summer.

Thanks, yes - I was born and brought up in the north east of the country but been in Madrid for 17 years. Am open to all different locations there, just wondered if there were any positive-move stories. Where are you based?

I’m in the suburbs of glasgow. I prefer things a bit busier plus less of a commute.

Nairn is v pretty. I’ve visited a few times but no knowledge of the schools. Hopefully this will bump your thread and someone in the know shall be along!

Thanks!

Haven't been in Nairn in years but family lived in Inverness and Aviemore. Nairn is lovely, as are Inverness and Aviemore :)

What is specifically attracting you to Nairn? Is it the sea and highlands that you want or are you literally just looking for a great area to raise your DC?

If the latter then I can't recommend stirling/Stirlingshire enough. You can still get rural ish living with access to a city similar size to Inverness but with easier access to Edinburgh and Glasgow. Great schools, lots of activities for families, sporting opportunities and access to parks and outdoor pursuits.

Nairn is lovely and has 2 good primary schools (plus the villages roundabout have good schools too). Great part of the world to bring up a family!

Thanks both. Was wondering about Nairn due to a job possibility there, but appreciate the recommendation of Stirling(shire) too!

Lived in Nairn for a time about 10 years ago, had a 3 year old at the time. Beautiful town with a fantastic beach. Some nice local shops and super close to Inverness for more amenities. We left just as DD was due to start school so can’t report on that, but I really liked living there.

Thanks - good to know!

@saraxlex11 I live in Nairn, highly recommend 👍 my kids go to a local school and I am a nursery teacher here, brilliant place to raise kids for sure 😁 it is a gorgeous part of the world, so many wonderful views and places nearby but I am very biased lol

That’s great to hear. Would love to message you a bit more. Is that possible?! I am new to mumsnet and don’t really know how these things work. Also, we are definitely moving there now!

I'm not sure either to be honest lol I'm not on here a lot usually! It's such a great town and area, if I can help, feel free to fire away with questions 😁

Thanks. Just wondered what school your kids go to, are you happy with it and which nursery do you teach in?

Used to live near there. Nairn is lovely. We have friends there. They moved from the other side of Inverness and absolutely love it. Their children are adults so I can’t say about schooling. My sister works there and loves it. The beach is beautiful so is further along the coast at Findhorn. Great gift shop and cafe at Brodie. Lots of castles nearby if you like history. Inverness is good for shopping. Good hospital.

Thanks- very useful!

Hi SarahLex11!

sorry to jump in to this thread - i'm considering the move too! i used to live in the area (forres) 17years ago (for 5yrs). i am also considering Nairn and would like some opinions on Nairn Academy. I think i have a fairly good idea on the high schools to the east of Nairn.

have you found out any more info on Nairn schools? would love to hear how it's going. My kids are 5 and 7.

Thanks x

Hello, jumping on this thread! Wondering what everyone thinks on raising teens in Nairn? I am from los angeles, currently live in Glasgow with my highlander partner and our two kids (1 + 3) after we lived in London for 10+yrs. We both work from home. We have no ties to any big city in Scotland so we don’t need to be close to Glasgow/Edinburgh. We are into beaches, nice cafes and play parks basically 😂 wondering if we made the move now when the kids are young how it would be raising them as teenagers there in quite a small place? What’s the rep of the high school?

We moved to Nairn from Leigh-on-Sea, Essex early in 2022. Best mover ever. We have 2 teens (one working locally and one at Nairn Academy). My youngest really enjoys the Academy, is doing well at school and has made friends quickly. The beaches are amazing and often deserted (google 'secret beach, Nairn'). The shops in Nairn offer everything you need - there's a Sainsburys supermarket as well as smaller Co-Op shops. The towns high street has lots of independent shops (hardware, electrical, chemists, bakers, fast food outlets and cafe's). There is a small harbour with pubs and restaurants enroute. The stunning city of Inverness is a 15 minute drive from Nairn along the A96 and has several retail parks homing the major shops (Next, Tesco, Range, Wren, Sports Direct etc). Local scenery is breathtaking and we ofter see the Northern Lights during the autumn/winter months. Weather in Nairn is chilly in winter with occasional snow - summer days and long and pleasant (not too much rain due to the local hills/mountains). I am sure that, like us, you would love it here. :)

Does anyone know if there is wrap around care or any other child care available for before and after school? My children are P2&P4
Thanks 👍

Sorry for the late replies! We did end up moving here and both children love it. They are now 7 and 9 and a great age for enjoying the cycling, beaches, swimming, exploring - and all the great outdoors activities Nairn has to offer. I’m not sure how it is for teenagers here- I’m guessing they enjoy getting together with friends outdoors too. There’s a nice community feel in Nairn. My experience of the secondary school has been mixed. They are due to get a new building in a couple of years. There is wrap-around care offered by the schools & daycare centres (Junior World/ First Steps) here. We haven’t regretted making the move here! 🙂