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Scotsnet

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

Where to relocate to

6 replies

Littlebirdy7 · 19/07/2025 12:16

Hello, I am eager to hear opinions and experiences of people who are from Scotland or relocated from different countries. I am originally from Canada, partner grew up in Scotland but has lived in a few different places and also doesn't feel he belongs anywhere, like me.

I am living in Stirling (been for 10 years) with my partner and 2,5 year old. I never felt like I wanted to put roots down here and since having my daughter I’ve felt the itch to move more intensely. Trouble is I’ve no idea where to. Partner lived in the black isle for a few years and loved it - so do I. We love the highlands (but Havent really explored the borders). We loved going there on holidays but what would it actually be like to live there with a young family? We’d love to be somewhere close to walks/ nature (in land rather than coast). Good schools are important and although I’d love to live rurally I don’t think it’s the most practical with young children?

Part of me wants to be somewhere small and quiet and another close ish to a bigger town to feel connected.. I have a lot of conflicting desires and need help with more experience / perspective.

our work is flexible and I will retrain at some point.

I just want to finally feel settled somewhere, where I feel at home and part of a community somewhere that feels relaxed, safe and welcoming. Surrounded by nature is key.

thank you to whoever reads this !!

OP posts:
CinnamonCinnabar · 19/07/2025 12:53

If you're driven by a feeling of being disconnected I don't think moving will automatically help- you'd be better off seeing a counsellor to unpick what's driving that feeling. Moving somewhere more rural could just result in you feeling more isolated. I imagine establishing yourself in a rural area will be even harder than in Stirling.

SunshinePlease24 · 19/07/2025 16:48

If you're willing to go Central Belt.

Eaglesham
Strathaven

Both village feel but lots going on for young families and close to nature. Eaglesham also close to coast.

Both great school options

Elasticareboot · 19/07/2025 18:02

Hmmm I tend to agree, feeling settled is a result of choice and effort, not the place. I’m not from Scotland, and I’ve lived overseas, traveled for work etc. good to think clearly about what a move can and can’t deliver.

I feel even in the central belt I can find nature and peace so, it’s hard to narrow down. Do you have time to tour around? There are so many different parts to Scotland that would fit the criteria.

Unexpectedlysinglemum · 19/07/2025 19:30

Inverness has lots going on and inexpensive

ForHeartyPoet · 20/07/2025 09:20

I would stick with Stirlingshire, or perhaps Perthshire? Or the Lothians?

Not much in terms of jobs in the highlands, schools aren’t great and properties in Inverness/the Black Isle are becoming more and more expensive.

TammyinCork · 05/08/2025 12:07

How about Dunblane? Really good schools, close to Stirling, smaller town but still a good bit to do.

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