Relocating to Aberdeen/shire July 2021

[achefswife]

Hi!
I'm brand new to mumsnet, but was advised to come here for some advice that I am sorely in need of.

I'm an English teacher and have accepted a job at Northfield Academy in Aberdeen, starting in Aug 2020. I currently live in East Lancs with my husband and two boys (aged 4 and 6). Covid has absolutely ruined all of our planned visits to scope out areas to live in. We know Aberdeen as tourists on hols, but not to live. Husband's family are originally from there and we loved everything that is offers and want to raise the boys there.

Husband is a Head Chef but as it's my job that is taking us there, it has to be the main focus re travel and boys. I have read every thread on the internet about relocating, but would love some advice on specific areas. We have done big moves with the kids before, but as they are now at school, it feel much scarier.

We are thinking of Banchory (anywhere on Deeside)/the Culters/Inverurie/Huntly/Banff/Newburgh/Ellon/Balmedie/Cove. I would like to be max an hour away from work. What are schools/high schools really like? I know league tables aren't always indicative of the quality of teaching.

The only thing putting us off from living in or near the city is that we have heard the harr on the sea ruins your summer. Is this true? All advice is truly welcome.

Thank you x

I live in stonehaven, I think you would struggle on that budget. As others have said maybe Laurencekirk would be an option.

Sorry, I missed your post about budget OP; Banchory prices are a bit higher at the moment for renting.

Agree with other posts that you will get a lot more for your money if you either head South/North or further inland. I am bias as like the East Coast, it's no time at all into town. Stonehaven, Laurencekirk, Montrose are all good options. Stonehaven and Montrose possibly have more options for your DH to find work. Portlethen, Mearns or Mackie would be your secondary school options south of the city.

Or lathallan private school which you don't necessarily need to have the funds for, they do have a scheme where they can help. Just FYI :)

Haar is only really a problem within a couple of miles of the sea, although it does roll up the rivers a bit further. It can be almost zero visibility in say, Woodside but blazing sunshine in Blackburn.

I would look at blackburn , Kintore, Inverurie , Ellon or kemnay. All very easy commute to north field. Weather is definitely better in Inverurie/kemnay direction in summer

Loads of times the haar ruins places towards the city and out that way it's beautiful day.

Also you will get a lot more for your money

[quote achefswife]**@Spybot* Hatton of Fintray looks beautiful. @peonyrose87* thank you! Inverurie looks like the top contender at the moment. Rent is high but we will have to suck it up! We have seen houses for rent in Rothienorman and also Meikle Wartle. Just wondering what they are like versus living closer to Inverurie. As much as I love Banchory, from what everyone has said on the post, the commute sounds a bit nightmarish. Has anyone done the commute?[/quote]
Meikle Wartle/ rothienorman / Daviot and all the villages round about are lovely. They are only 10 mins from Inverurie . I used to commute from this area to Aberdeen city Center and it took me 45 minutes .

There is a 3 bed house with garage and stunning views at Folla Rule for rent at the moment it's £600.

It's just off the Rothie road , 6 miles from Inverurie. I seen it for rent last week. I've ran past it a few times it's in a nice spot

You will find it on ASPC