Where to relocate in Scotland with a budget of £800k

[Theaccidentalgardener]

Where do you think offers a good quality of life in Scotland?

I have been living for too long in London and want to move back to Scotland. I’m originally from Edinburgh but going back to Edinburgh doesn’t feel like quite the “right” move. I also have family in SW Scotland but they live in areas too rural for DH who is originally from London to consider.

We currently have primary school aged children, so good schooling particularly secondary schools are key to determining our chosen location. Places I have considered are Helensburgh and Perth based on childhood memories which are probably out of date. Cleaner air, greener spaces and more house are what I am craving, but equally I am also seeking a place which is open minded and friendly to new people as potentially we will be moving to somewhere where we would know nobody. We both have flexibility with our jobs as we can work remotely.

Anywhere spring to mind?

@808Kate1 it's exactly 38 mins on direct train from
Glasgow to troon. 3 trains an hour
45 minute drive.

I came to say Peebles also, beautiful town, close to Edin. Lots to do for kids/teens

@beachcitygirl Not only are the logistics/proximity to a city entirely different but as places to live they are not comparable - apart from being on the coast - completely different vibes and demographics. OP wants somewhere "open minded and friendly to new people". She'll get that in Portobello, but not in Troon.

@beachcitygirl aye, which is like comparing Troon / Glasgow to one of the Fife coastal villages and Edinburgh, rather than portobello!! Have you ever even been to portobello?

Been to portobello millions of times. And no need to be snippy. We just disagree.

Agreed. I was quite surprised by that comment too! Been a while since I’ve been to Troon but didn’t think it had changed that much!

I'd make your starting points the good high schools & go from there to narrow it down. A quick google will let you know the league tables for Scotland.

800K is a really good budget & you'll have your choice of places.

"OP wants somewhere "open minded and friendly to new people". She'll get that in Portobello, but not in Troon."
Baloney. About Troon, I mean, not Portobello - don't know that area well enough to comment. But I've lived in Edinburgh, Glasgow southside, East Ren (suburban hell in my opinion - just as well we are all different) and on the Ayrshire coast. Troon is hugely different to the small town it used to be, and has great facilities and infrastructure.
Just wanted to pop on in defence of the Ayrshire towns mentioned, but sounds like you've got loads of great possibilities to explore. Good luck!

I'm not disagreeing that Troon and Portobello are very different, but there is no way you can walk to Portobello from the city centre in 20 minutes. It's over three miles.