Hoping to move to Scotland to give my kids some security

[Possiblytotallymad]

Hi, I’m in need of some help…. I’m a single parent to 2 young boys and I might be inheriting some money… about 150k from the death of a man who abused me. Because of this abuse I’ve never had a secure home, this money is my opportunity to create this for my children.

im looking for places I could move to and buy a house and a Scottish friend of mine has suggested the Isle of Sky. I essentially need a big outside space for my kids to run and play. I don’t like motorway driving but am absolutely fine in countryside.

before anyone says about needing a support network, I’ve never had one so it’s not something I’ll miss. I have no friends here either and quite honestly I grew up in the countryside and I feel like a caged animal. Goning back where I grew up isn’t an option because of the abuse it’s just to traumatic.I also absolutely hate renting and I could get a mortgage but having looked at property prices I think I should be able to get a 1 bed with a garden… which will be fine anything above that is a massive plus.

My question is really is their anywhere else apart from Sky people would recommend ? I definitely don’t want a city but I would like local ish (say within 60 min drive) kids for mine to play with. Needs to be somewhere that mixed race kids who don’t always behave themselves and who have ADHD will be at least tolerated l…. I’ve lived a few places before I had them that this wouldn’t be the case.

also please be kind…. This isn’t something I’m jumping into but is a way out and a fresh start so pls tread softly….

I'd echo @liveyoungstayactive with Morayshire. Around Forres and Elgin. There is a microclimate, so the weather is much better. And there is a bit of an alternative vibe around Findhorn because of the community there. More diversity, lots of slightly wild kids...

Moving to Scotland sounds like a great opportunity for a fresh start for you and your kids! The Isle of Skye is beautiful, but I’d also suggest looking into areas like the Scottish Borders or rural parts of Fife, which are more affordable and still have a strong sense of community. Being close to nature can offer a peaceful environment for your kids to grow up in. Wishing you the best of luck in finding a home that gives you the security you deserve!

Cupar is out in the back and beyond so perfect for what you are after. It has a lot of amenities and a train station too. You're in the middle of nowhere with lots of amenities at the same time. It's a no brainer. I see a PP has beat me to it😁

Skye is so remote and although a gorgeous place the winters will be rough I'd imagine . I live in a tiny village in Fife , but is only 20 mins away from Edinburgh and nearby has excellent train links . Also in Fife you'd get a lot more house for your money . I used to live on outskirts of Aberdeen it was lovely as well

Agree with this point that Scotland has a LOT of free space! You don't need to go super remote to have plenty of beautiful countryside around you OP.

I am a Highlander I would not recommend you move to Skye. It's beautiful but plus full of tourists in the summer and pretty isolated in the winter. The roads are a nightmare because of the constant stream of caravans on NC500 cause endless congestion. Inverness is a very minimum of 2 hours drive away (on a good day but double that on a busy day). You also can't buy much for £150k in Skye also as a parent of an autistic /ADHD child I would say you are better being near main cities. The country parts of Scotland really can be backwards in terms of thinking. Your child ADHD may well be viewed as bad behaviour. There are far more support groups in Inverness for parents of nuerodivergent children but you wouldn't be able to buy a house for £150k.

I moved to Aberdeen and we've bought a gorgeous family home, much more than we could have got in Edinburgh. We have an excellent school on the doorstep and we're spoiled for beaches in Aberdeenshire is fabulous - there's a reason the Royals spend their free time here.

OP any opinions on the advice you've been given?