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Scotsnet

Welcome to Scotsnet - discuss all aspects of life in Scotland, including relocating, schools and local areas.

Original poster

Moving to Scotland - where would you recommend based on our criteria?

105 replies

UltramarineViolet · 20/08/2023 20:19

DH and I currently live in England but we both love Scotland and relocating at some point between now and retirement would be our dream

Our DC are young adults just starting out in life. No idea where in the world they will settle in the longer term but let’s assume they are most likely to be in Manchester, London or Yorkshire.

our requirements would be:

  • Beautiful scenery for walking and cycling, ideally near water with opportunities for sailing
  • Not too remote, a train station within half an hour or so would be a bonus, we would want to meet up with DC on regular basis so not too far North
  • Small town with supermarket, health centre or small hospital etc no further than 20 minute drive away
  • property not obscenely expensive; would want something nice with 3+ bedrooms for under £300K or thereabouts
  • a good community, not too insular or hostile to incomers
OP posts:
Dabralor · 20/08/2023 20:26

Why about the Borders? Gorgeous scenery, not too far from Yorkshire and Manchester and lots of outdoorsy things to get involved with.

We are staying with friends near moffat this week and it's great!

Kaceeee · 20/08/2023 20:29

borders absolutely!! I personally prefer the English side EG Berwick, but after spending my childhood in the borders I’d 100% say on the Scottish side Reston, Eyemouth & st abbs are absolutely lovely

Harrythehappypig · 20/08/2023 20:35

Thornhill, Moffat

Harrythehappypig · 20/08/2023 20:37

Also New Galloway and Moniaive

Harrythehappypig · 20/08/2023 20:38

Loch Ken has watersports centre

EezyOozy · 20/08/2023 20:39

Berwickshire 100%

train stations at Reston, Berwick and Dunbar . A1 runs through it.

EezyOozy · 20/08/2023 20:46

And because it’s so close to the border there are loads of English folk. It’s fairly “fluid”.

Rooma · 20/08/2023 20:50

Helensburgh might be too built up but a lovely town on water, good access to glasgow and direct train to Edinburgh

SpamFrittersYouSay · 20/08/2023 20:51

I'd be looking at Northumberland. Utterly and exquisitely beautiful.

Original poster
UltramarineViolet · 20/08/2023 21:03

Helensburgh really appeals @Rooma and is somewhere already on our list of possibilities, just a bit worried about traffic getting past Glasgow

I’ve visited Eyemouth and St Abb’s and agree they fit the bill but property looks expensive

I hadn’t really considered the borders as concerned too far from water and possibly wouldn’t feel “Scottish enough”

Thanks for all the suggestions. Please keep them coming 😀

OP posts:
flexigirl · 20/08/2023 21:13

Braemar or Ballater . So stunning

Swanslikeme · 20/08/2023 21:14

I thought the borders too. Personally I would add less than an hour ( ideally less) to big hospital too. Borders has Borders general in Melrose.

Hiddenvoice · 20/08/2023 21:17

What about somewhere near the water? My English in-laws moved to Kilmaurs. It’s a little town just outside of Kilmarnock. Got good links to supermarkets but still has a smaller town feel to it. It’s not too far from Ayr and Irvine beach and has good road links. My in laws love it and have really blended into the community.

PTSDBarbiegirl · 20/08/2023 21:19

3 beds in village/suburb are around 400-650k. Look at East Dunbartonshire, Lenzie, Bearsden, Milngavie. Sailing club on loch, tennis clubs, lovely town centres, very good transport. 15 mins into Glasgow West end, city centre or 20 mins to Loch Lomond and beyond. Bishopbriggs and Kirkintilloch are more affordable areas, Bardowie beautiful village, rural.

Traceyislivid · 20/08/2023 21:20

The Black Isle

Rooma · 20/08/2023 21:29

I've never heard anyone complain too much about the traffic out of glasgow that way. It is true the road up to Loch Lomond does get busy and if there's an accident it can get backed up fast. I have family in the area and most of the time we visit (regularly - we live in glasgow) it's fine. I wouldn't let that put you off unless you're needing to commute daily by car. I know a few people who commute by train to glasgow and it's not a problem. A lovely town- glad it's on your list

LadyMcLadyface · 20/08/2023 21:58

Highland Perthshire is stunning (check out Aberfeldy, Pitlochry, Blair Atholl) or if that's too far north perhaps check out Kinross and the surrounding area (no train station in Kinross itself but there's one in Perth or Inverkeithing also nearby with regular trains to Edinburgh).

LadyMcLadyface · 20/08/2023 22:01

Also re. community I don't think you should have issues with people being insular or hostile to incomers around Perthshire, at least I would hope not!

IAmKenough · 20/08/2023 23:40

Aberfeldy/Dunkeld area is beautiful and both great towns.

Dumfries and Galloway is lovely. Castle Douglas and Kirkcudbright and surrounding areas would tick your boxes and easy access to motorway south.

MrsFiddle · 20/08/2023 23:57

The East Neuk of Fife - beautiful!

sfnets · 20/08/2023 23:58

Dumfries, the actual town not just Dumfries and Galloway in general.

ElthamLemur · 21/08/2023 00:09

Bridge of Allan, Dunblane or Stirling would fit the bill.

Suunnyd · 21/08/2023 00:34

Dunbar

Original poster
UltramarineViolet · 21/08/2023 08:04

Perthshire is definitely an option, thanks for the town suggestions @IAmKenough @LadyMcLadyface

East Neuk of Fife is stunning @MrsFiddle but think it might be out of our budget

OP posts:
Pancakebatter · 21/08/2023 08:10

Pitlochry or Aberfeldy spring to mind. Pitlochry has a direct train to London. East Lothian is lovely too.