Relocating to the Highlands

[winterbabyrose]

We are looking to relocate to the Highlands (more specifically Inverness-Shire or close to it) within the next few years. Looking for somewhere like a small village within a short car journey to a town with adequate amenities - so not too remote, but not too 'busy' either. Would need to have good schools nearby.

I am hoping to stay working remote, but if not then a HR position somewhere. My DH is a Mechanical Engineer / Welder, so would be looking for something like that up there.

I have been on many holidays (most annually) up to the Fort William / Spean Bridge area, but not too sure what small villages in the region would suit us? Are there any you can recommend considering, that would suit our needs?

It depends a lot on what your definition of adequate amenities are 😀Realistically the most employment opportunities will be around Inverness. I'd suggest moving up to somewhere around Inverness and either renting, or buying something short-term, and then moving again in 3-5 years time once you know the area better. In the short term (or even long term) I would look at Rossshire, no further out then Evanton, and then all the way round the firths inlcuding Dingwall, Maryburgh, Beauly, Kiltarlity and maybe even Fortrose. Schools I'm not sure which are the best ones these days, in Scotland you just go to your catchment area school and they are mostly much of a muchness (with a few I would avoid) www.thescottishsun.co.uk/news/9042254/scotlands-schools-ranked-league-table-revealed/

Hi @winterbabyrose what areas are you thinking about moving too? Inverness shire covers a large area.

@Willowthewispy We are thinking possibly more middle of the county and out to the west coast.

I'd recommend taking a holiday to see other areas, Fort William is not as nice as Nairn, for example.

The housing market in that area is expensive and rental property is near to none existent. The main area for shops, cinema etc is Inverness. The villages are all different some have shops and some have nothing. Generally there is a lot of driving daily.

I relocated to the Highlands about 10 years ago. It's a completely different way of life. Thankfully my experience has been positive.

If I can help with any questions please ask.

We are moving to skye at the end of August. its actually been really difficult to view and secure a property as the prices are expensive and the competition is fierce.
We travelled extensively around the areas we liked for the past 10 years and made local friends and connections. Forget rightmove, most of the selling is done through local estate agents and solicitors. Add all the Facebook property and local selling pages too.
Airbnb and holiday rentals makes renting impossible unless you are willing to pay a fortune or take a caravan.
Lockdown has created a completely different market now everyone can work from home. Locals are struggling to buy property in their own area! best of luck!

Dingwall, Invergordon are ports so may have work for your OH. Cromarty Firth is bidding to be a freeport so there are chances for investment and work being created in near future.

The Black Isle might be a good idea. Fortrose, North Kessock etc. The rental market in Inverness is busy and very little properties are available. Buying is also a fast moving market. Nairn is a nice area too.