Aberfeldy and nearby villages

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I am hoping to relocate from England to Aberfeldy or nearby with DD (3).

I have just come back from a trip to Scotland looking at the areas around Stirling and Perth as I was thinking of moving to be within a few miles of one of these cities but I've come away with a slightly revised plan to be that bit more rural.

Having done some reading I've come to the conclusion that I need to sell my house here before I'll be taken seriously by Scottish vendors, especially in the current climate when houses seem to be going under offer incredibly quickly. Therefore I think I'm coming to terms with renting somewhere in/near Aberfeldy while I wait for a house to come up.

I'd really like the opportunity to pick the brains of someone who lives in the area and I'm wondering if there's anyone lurking on Mumsnet who might be willing to spare the time to answer a few questions, the most obvious ones being about schools and childcare in the area.

However, I also have a business idea that I would like a local's take on.

I can’t help much but the location is stunning. One thing about the school is that you are on the same campus from nursery through senior school. The number of senior school pupils is not that large either which you may or may not like. I’ve been in the school a few times and it seems a nice set up, can’t comment on the teaching.

I don't live there but spend a considerable amount of time there with family and friends and also thinking about relocating there. Feel free to ask me questions.

I live very close by and have children at Breadalbane, I’m happy to answer any questions that I can. The school and nursery are well thought of and there are lots of clubs and activities in the area for children. ABC nursery is private with a great reputation. Aberfeldy has a great community feeling and has been amazing throughout lockdown. Look up #feldyroo, what they achieved was spectacular! There is an Aberfeldy community page on Facebook which could be useful when looking for somewhere to rent, properties go fast.

Thank you all very much for responding.

@PocketFullOfPuddocks Thanks for pointing me to the Facebook groups. I've had a look at them. It seems like a fantastic community.

The ABC nursery looks fab as well and sounds as though they're not completely full so I feel hopeful that lining up childcare for DD wouldn't be too much of a trial.

A few more questions, if you don't mind:

How often are the roads impassable in Winter? With a decent car and winter tyres is it ok getting around most of the time?

What would you say the attitude is to invaders from South of the border? If I don't behave like a twat is it the sort of place where DD and I will find our feet and be able to get involved locally?

How easy is it getting school places? Is it a given that a child will get a space in the local school?

There has been a little bit of ‘close the border’ hysteria lately but it’s mostly borne out of Covid fear and it will die out again. There are lots of people from down south and lots of other countries. I think that decent people from anywhere who want to be part of the community will be happily accepted and included. Having a 3 year old will be a great way to meet people and I haven’t heard of anyone not getting a place in their local school. The smaller surrounding village schools are lovely too-Grandtully for example is a good one.

The roads can be a bit sketchy in winter but the main one is usually ok and with winter tyres and leaving plenty of time you should have no problems. They have very rarely been closed for any length of time due to snow.

It’s a lovely part of the world to bring up a family and I hope if you make the move you will be really happy here

How easy is it getting school places? Is it a given that a child will get a space in the local school?

In order: Easy; Yes. If you're in the catchment the year before during the enrolment, you're guaranteed a place. We have fixed catchments one Scotland.

It's a lovely part of the world. I live the other side of the A9 and would prefer somewhere like Dunkeld. It seems a bit more connected for me but Aberfeldy is lovely

I have friends and family who live in Aberfeldy and others who work there

All are welcome if they want to be part of the community and have no desire to change it because "that's not how we did it in Gloucestershire" type thing. It's not a major issue as there are lots of different nationalities but just something to watch out for, especially once your DC starts school

The campus is amazing and they have the newly refurbished cinema. Fab park as well as the lovely wee cafes with amazing bacon rolls.

I'm due a visit

How often are the roads impassable in Winter? With a decent car and winter tyres is it ok getting around most of the time?

What would you say the attitude is to invaders from South of the border? If I don't behave like a twat is it the sort of place where DD and I will find our feet and be able to get involved locally?

How easy is it getting school places? Is it a given that a child will get a space in the local school?

Winters are getting milder and the main roads are rarely closed. Even then it’s only for a few days and it’s not like anyone will expect you at work.

Racism - The Highlands and Perthshire are full of English people. No one will care as long as you are not a condescending prat.

Politics - Scottish Tories are very middle of the road compared to England so if you are to the right of the Tory party I’d be cautious about airing your political views on day 1.

Culture - bragging about money, your job title or where you went to school is NOT the done thing here.

All kids who live in the catchment will get a place at Breadalbane, it’s a great community school. And as a bonus , your DD will have a cute accent in 6 months.

I prepared myself for at least some doom and gloom responses on this thread but it's all reading rather nicely!

My mind is pretty much made up so I just need to be brave enough to put my house on the market and get on with it.

I'm hoping I can find somewhere cheap and cheerful to rent in the first instance while I look for a house to buy. Places seem to be going under offer so quickly at the moment; it's a bit unnerving!

Argh, I forgot to say thank you to the pp who posted replies today. I appreciate all of them.

@ALLIS0N - gladly I don't fall into the condescending Tory prat category so hopefully that'll give me a reasonable starting point!

There are loads of community activities like the Christmas market complete with reindeer. I was gutted to see they had officially cancelled the Hogmanay street party as it is always amazing.

I love the Aberfeldy Hogmany, I live in Edinburgh and it's how it used to be here.

There isn't a huge amount of rental property OP so you'll need to move fast or potentially be out of Aberfeldy for a bit. Another thing you might consider is looking at Air BnB and seeing if someone would do you a deal for a long-term rent - there's lots of holiday property up there and while things are busy right now, I doubt that will last into winter. A bird in the hand might be very welcome to someone whose cottage has lain empty through Covid!

I'm back to ask for thoughts/information on flooding. It dawned on me that there's rather a lot of water around Aberfeldy. I've done some Googling and looked at some SEPA maps and info. The flood-risk map seems to suggest that much of Aberfeldy is at risk, but then I've seen on the Aberfeldy Road Conditions Facebook group someone saying that there are places identified as high risk on the map that have never yet flooded. Is anyone able to shed some light on this?

I'm set on moving to the area but wonder if I need to be up the hill a bit! Having said that I have rather set my heart on Aberfeldy being my local town and I'd like to be within walking (or short cycle) distance really.

@LonnyVonnyWilsonFrickett - I think I saw on the Facebook group that the Hogmanay celebrations are off this year. It seems to be the way of things for the rest of 2020

The main areas which flood in Aberfeldy are the low-lying houses closest to the golf course and therefore the river Tay.

The Avenue between Aberfeldy and the north side of the valley also regularly floods. If you choose to live on the north side of the valley, be aware that the road does get closed by flooding. It's a long drive around! That having been said, it may flood less than it used to (better water control in the dams further west).

My Mum used to live on Tayside "estate" near the confluence of the Moness Burn and the Tay and the only houses that were physically flooded were the old laundry cottages closest to the burn. However the Poplar Avenue between 'feldy and Weem often floods in winter and the road between Grandtully and Ballinluig can flood at Ballechin and Logierait.

I went to the "Old" Breadalbane and have never been in the new school but it's always had a good reputation.

There is a good community spirit and almost everyone knows everyone else and their business which can be a mixed blessing but as PP have said don't be arsey and you'll be fine.

The only flooding I have seen is around the golf course, my friend has a house backing onto the Tay further along the river and has never had a problem.

Did you move OP?

I didn't move, sadly.

I did put my house on the market and had signed up with estate agents in the area around Aberfeldy but my house just wouldn't shift. It was on the market for months. Then an unexpected life event where life wouldn't have worked without my local friends pitching in made me lose my nerve for moving to Scotland where I know no one! I stayed put and haven't regretted it. I won't be at all surprised if there's a move on the cards later down the line but realistically it might be once DD has left home unless she fancies a drastic change of scene in the years to come (which actually wouldn't surprise me if she did).

Ah that’s a shame in one way but sounds like you realised how important friends are at the end of the day. We nearly moved there a few years ago. Now I realise it would have been a terrible mistake for various reasons .