Where to move to in Scotland

[tartankween]

Hi, we will be looking to relocate to Scotland end 2024. We have shortlisted these areas as possible places to settle and would appreciate any feedback if you live here with secondary-aged children attending public school. A bit about us:

We work fully remote so dont need to commute.
Renting at first but then will purchase after a year so have to consider a place where we can find a rental but also can buy eventually (rental budget £1800 and purchase budget £400k - 3/4 bedroom - any property type except a flat)
Our daughter (11) is big into the arts (singing, fine art, drama) and son (5) is big into sport (golf, cricket, football) ie we at least need access to some parks so he can swing a bat or so.
Our son is currently doing Occupational Therapy for hand dominance so may need a bit of extra support learning to write.
We have no hobbies because we are always exhausted lol but we do like a bit of shopping (including thrift shopping), golf, hiking, and eating out at restaurants/cafes.
We are suburb people and have no preference when it comes to old-school charm/new builds. Either or will work for us so long as the area has a good reputation and is clean.
Welcoming community.
Good public secondary school (doesn't have to be the best in the league table but good teachers and modern/clean facilities. Our daughter is an exceptional academic and we are confident that she will make the most of the opportunities presented to her and do her school proud).

Ok areas of interest:
Bearsden (not the poshest parts of course but have seen houses within our budget)
Kirkintilloch
Bishopbriggs
Dunfermline
Livingston
Stirling
Perth
Anywhere that deserves an honourable mention that I have missed?

We are of course aware of Linlithgow and North Berwick (as well as Midlothian) but don't think our budget will get us there.

Any kind and positive feedback about your own experience is appreciated.

Auchterarder just outside of Perth would hit the spot I think with most of your wishes. Decent school I believe, obviously plenty golf nearby, good shops and eating places in the high street, close to the motorway. Good performing arts clubs in Perth (Pirrie Performing Arts, Adlib theatre Arts, lot's of new build properties available at the moment in Auchterarder and you would get a decent property on that budget.

I wouldn't write off North Berwick. I think it would offer most of what you want. There are a few 3 bedroom houses at the moment on offers over less than £400k - https://espc.com/property-for-sale/east-lothian/north-berwick

You might struggle to find a rental property though.

Maybe Dunblane to consider too?

Public school? What do you mean by that?

State school is no cost to family to attend

Private school has a fee. Within private schools there are day schools and boarding with many private schools offering both.

I lived in Livingston - I'm not sure it fits the bill for you.

Definitely not Livingston. I think Kinross ticks several boxes for you.

East Renfrewshire without a doubt if you're needing well respected schools with decent additional support resources. Also you could buy two 3-4 bed houses for that budget in many places so you might find you can reduce that house buying price and use some of the budget towards other things too. Win/win! Lots of great drama resources and sporting resources available too. Highly recommend!

Auchterarder, although definitely a small town.

Dunblane may fit the bill, or Doune.

Stirling, but aim for Stirling High or Wallace High catchment areas, these are more modern schools but good standard. Bannockburn more affordable but I don't believe in as good an area.

I would go for Perth, the High and Grammar aren't in the best condition, although Bertha Park on the West of Perth is modern and well regarded, lots of new build around there too.

I'm just assuming that you mean state schools and are using the American term for them.

We have family who are very happily raising dc in Bishopbriggs.it seems to have decent schools, plenty of sports opportunities and a calm family atmosphere.

PS if you're meaning private schools (public school means local authority school here) you might find you actually get less support in terms of OT. The local authority schools are a very, very high standard where I am and the level of support is second to none.

Dunbar?

From what you've said, I would suggest Bearsden or Newton Mearns.

I can't believe Kirkintilloch is on that list! Avoid like the plague. Lenzie is attached on to it and is nice (I grew up there). Stick to the older Victorian streets. Your ds will struggle if he likes cricket. It's almost non existent in Scotland.

Dundee

Where do you live just now and why have you chosen Scotland?

There has been a cricket club everywhere I've lived in Scotland (mainly east Central belt) but I've never lived in the west.

I'd think the main problem is going to be finding something to rent. Much more on the market to buy.

I agree with the advice for Stirling City re Stirling high or Wallace unless you are looking for catholic provision as catchments are different. Also Dunblane catchment, they also having thriving theatre groups.

This isn't correct. Public and private schools are (confusingly) both fee paying. The alternative are state funded schools (known as state schools).

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Publicschooll(UnitedKingdom)

@BigBoysDontCry I remember seeing the West Indies cricket team playing the Scottish team in Greenock as a dc.
There are cricket teams in the west coast so no issues there.

@WobblyLondoner not where I stay, yes in England/Wales but never heard anyone in Scotland refer to a public school as anything other than the local authority school. Private schools are often called independent schools though.

Thanks 😊 I think it's a bigger thing than people presume. A lot of people doing other sport like rugby and football which are very winter based take up golf or cricket in the summer ime.

I guess cricket isn't maybe as prevalent in Scotland and certainly not as much as golf, but I've always known people involved in local clubs.

Linlithgow is doable on your budget, even more so is nearby Bo’ness, which has river views but not a top tier school.

The only one I've ever seen in the Glasgow area was in the west end.

Not scottish. @tartankween needs to confirm if she is looking for a state school or an independent fee-paying school.

If working remotely you will need a dependable broadband service.

bishopbriggs is nice.

also consider Dunbar (lots going on, cheaper than NB), Kinross, Milnathort, Bridge of Alan, Dunblane.

I'm in Dunfermline and love living here. Easy commute to everything - Edinburgh, Glasgow, Dundee, the airport, great train links, lovely days out, near the coast and all the schools are great.

There are also lots of nice villages round here on the Fife coast plus Kinross is also lovely.

All the places on your list are nice and I'd happily live in any of them.

Except Livingston.

@nmchg I stand corrected! I had a colleague who moved to the UK from the US and got in such a pickle over the confusing terminology about schools. Worth the OP being aware as I'm not clear where she lives currently.