Moving to Scotland - arty & outdoorsy

[Redqueenheart]

I am planning to move to Scotland from Kent now that I have a fully remote role.

Requirements are:

• somewhere that might have some kind of artist/craft community established as I am a painter
• sailing, walking groups, swimming or horse-riding as I am very much into sports
• anywhere in the country as long as from commuting distance to either Glasgow or Edinburgh (up to one hour). I have a long-term heath condition which might need more specialist medical care as I get older
• decent broadband access
• A small house is fine (2 bed) is all I need but it must have some decent outdoor space for my pets
• Access to a train station. I probably will need to travel to London for work a few times every year
• Budget: £250,000 max. I don't want to take on a mortgage again
• Quiet and safe as I will be living alone
• Schools/universities are not a concern anymore
• Not after a busy nightlife at all but I enjoy independent cafes and restaurants.

Would anyone be able to suggest where they think I could fit in? I am not English (British, but originally from an EU country).

The people I know in Scotland are in Edinburgh/Fife but I really don't mind moving somewhere completely different where I can also make new friends.

Any advice most welcome!

Dunbar. Very established and friendly art community (Google would tell you more) local independent high street with fab range of shops, galleries, cafes etc, also with minimal chain stores, 45 mins to Edinburgh unless you take the train which is 20 minutes and all of the group's you mention in addition to so many more like surfing, sea swimming, paddleboarding, kayaking etc. Lots to get involved in, volunteering or paid. Locals are second to none too.

You'll also find you'd get a 2 or 3 bed with garden close to the woods, also lots of woods to visit, farms etc, and the beach is a 20 minute walk usually. Very safe and quiet, last year the locals rallied round a homeless man to get him accomodation, clothes and even a job.

North Berwick is very overrated and not nearly as quiet or safe. And I'm originally from there!

@LemonLemin thank you so much for this really heartfelt description of Dunbar!

I think I will put it at the top of my list because it sounds like it has everything I need and I though it looked lovely.

I can get there in about 4.30 hours from London on the train I think so it will also make me viewing properties OK when needed. I will plan a weekend trip next to explore it properly and hopefully start seeing some properties.

This makes me very happy to read! We are thinking about moving to Ayr this year and I am so pleased to be finding some positive opinions about living there. We moved from England to a very rural part of Scotland 5 years ago but we need a bit (actually a lot) more culture and fun than our life currently offers us and Ayr ticks lots of boxes for us. Thanks for making things feel more positive for me at a time of uncertainty!