The 20 Lessons I Got From Living In Scotland (Pros and Cons)

I’ve been a resident of Edinburgh for ten years, and I’ve never stopped learning new things to get used to. Living in Scotland was truly amazing; it never got boring. It is one of the most stunning places I have ever visited, so it makes sense. It is also strange, funny, gloomy, and rainy, but never boring.

I hope that everyone can read this post with a small smile on their face because I am writing it with such empathy and love for Scotland and its people.

#1 Nothing that can be deep-fried cannot be.

Scots can eat pretty much anything that has been deep-fried, from obvious foods to less obvious ones. Would you like some deep-fried dessert? No issue. A deep-fried Mars bar with a crunchy batter coating is available in Scotland.

#2 A weather outfit cannot be planned.

When you wake up in the morning, a window lets you see a bright blue sky. You manage to lock the doors behind you while wearing your best shoes and a flattering dress, but a heavy downpour and strong winds prevent you from moving. So you make the decision to return, putting on a winter coat and wellington boots, only to discover ten minutes later that the hot sun requires you to remove half of your clothing or you will boil. True incident hundred times repeated and practiced.

#3 Month-long festivals are common.

Technically speaking, there are several festivals that take place simultaneously and last for a few solid months. Even though the locals get tired of the crowds after the carnival in Rio, Edinburgh hosts one of the biggest parties in August, and I never got tired of it. You can have anything you can imagine. classical music, a book festival, and a film festival with Sean Connery as a special guest. Amateur performers from all over the world travel to Edinburgh for the Fringe to perform on the streets of the old city and in every available bar.

#4 Edinburgh is a ghost city.

It can be quite eerie in Edinburgh. You may experience goosebumps due to the area’s sinister past, haunted cemeteries, and foggy evenings, especially if you take part in one of the nighttime ghost tours to the underground city and hear some sinister tales from the past. Even though the cold, muggy air can be unpleasant, there is a certain allure to it. The light fog adds a hint of mystery as it drifts over the streets and lawns.

#5 Locals adore tourists who accept all of the legends they are told.

Yep! That occurs. Although romantic or frightening ghost stories don’t necessarily have to be true, they must be intriguing in order for tourists to buy into them. Have we not all been there?

#6 Understanding English does not ensure effective communication.

Literally! Not to mention the entire vocabulary that is unique to Scotland, the Scottish accent is quite distinctive. Not to make your life any simpler, but once you get to Leith, you might need some assistance with the translation. The trouble doesn’t even end there, as you might run into a completely different slang just outside the city. So, living in Scotland is not simple. Funny, yes, but not simple.

#7 Art and cultural events don’t have to be expensive.

The majority of the exhibits and museums are free. There are a lot of performances and cultural events that are free or very inexpensive. This was one of the things I liked best about living in Scotland. Considerably wonderful, don’t you think? Culture shouldn’t be reserved for the wealthy. It also provides you with a ton of rainy day inspiration.

#8 It’s impossible to get enough of the scenery.

I was continually falling in love with this beautiful country for a very long time. Scotland will be a beauty feast for you, with its vibrant Edinburgh, small, quaint towns, and the lush Highlands.

#9 Football is not a subject for humor.

Scotland takes football very seriously, especially in Edinburgh, which has two teams and can get quite competitive when they play each other. You better not make any jokes about either team or you might get some strange looks.

#10 Vinegar is essential.

I once tried vinegar and never did again. I’m not a huge fan of fries with vinegar, but otherwise the Scots don’t seem to be able to eat it.

#11 New definition of juice

Have you ever tried canned orange juice? No? Scotland allows it. But there’s one tiny detail: Juice is a common term for fizzy drinks like Fanta and Irn Bru. A box is proudly releasing fresh orange juice. So how do we describe orange juice that has just been squeezed? extremely fresh juice?

#12 You never run out of castles

There are many castles in Scotland. From the most well-known castle in Edinburgh to countless other equally stunning ones found throughout all of Scotland. You might even feel as though you’re in a fairy tale with some of them. Go and check it out for yourself if you think I’m exaggerating.

#13 Sandals and shorts are appropriate when the sun is out.

Scots don’t seem to experience any cold at all. All year long, you can run into people who are wearing t-shirts. Even though it is only 10 degrees outside, the Scots put their winter clothing in the attic as soon as the sky clears up a bit and you can just make out a few sun rays. I recall many cold, sunny winter days where I was wearing the warmest coat I could find along with gloves, a hat, and a scarf while observing others wearing sandals and tops. I could tell that this was making me feel colder.

#14 The top fireworks display takes place in Edinburgh.

Actually, Edinburgh hosts sizable fireworks displays twice a year. But the one at the conclusion of the Fringe Festival at the start of September is my favorite. The Hogmanay show is another event that draws large crowds to the city. Both are launched over the city’s castle while music is playing. Visit Calton Hill if you want a great seat with a view, but get there early because you won’t be the only one with the same idea.

#15 A line forms at the bus stop.

What a pleasant surprise it was to me to see people standing in line politely at the bus stop and entering the bus one at a time without rushing or pushing when the bus arrived when I first arrived in Edinburgh. The only conflicts you see at that time are when people want to let others go first.

#16 The word “wee” is not offensive.

It is a small word. I think phrases like “Let’s have a little coffee,” “Would you like to join me for a little walk?” and “Look at this little girl!” are overused. There can be a “wee” in a sentence regardless of the topic of a conversation.

#17 The weather is a crucial conversational subject.

I’ve been to places where discussing the weather was practically unknown. It is a subject that almost always starts a conversation with a stranger in Scotland.

#18 People maximize their use of a sunny day.

The Scots don’t care that it is still cold because a little bit of sun means beach clothes. The search for a sunbathing spot begins. People sitting on roofs or third-floor windows while only wearing their underwear can be seen while walking the city’s streets. Anywhere is suitable for sunbathing on sunny days, and the Scots use all of their creative imagination.

#19 Some common rules and habits are hard to get used to

It can be difficult to get used to some customs and routines, like two taps. One can burn you with boiling hot water, while the other can freeze your hands. Why have they not adopted this standard requirement like the rest of the world? I’ll never find out!

You are safe if you paid attention in class and discovered how to use the traditional measurements. If not, you’d better quickly teach them the definitions of a foot and a pound.

#20 Debate between Glasgow and Edinburgh

You hear a never-ending argument about which city is superior. Edinburgh, which is charming and artistic, competes constantly with business-driven Glasgow. I had the chance to visit both, and I’ll admit without a doubt that Edinburgh is the best. If you believe that Edinburgh is the best city in the world, you should probably be cautious when expressing this opinion while in Glasgow because not everyone will share your admiration for Scotland’s capital.

Best Places to Live in Scotland for Expats

Scotland is a nation with its own distinct identity, history, and culture, despite frequently being overshadowed by its more well-known neighbor England.

There are many reasons why relocating to Scotland can be appealing for foreigners, even though it may not be as well-liked as England as an immigration destination.

Some of the top areas in Scotland for expats to live are listed below:

Glasgow – the biggest city in Scotland, is a vibrant metropolis with a lot to offer its citizens. The city is home to some of Scotland’s top universities and has a vibrant arts and nightlife scene.

Edinburgh – the capital of Scotland, is regarded as one of the most beautiful cities in the world and is a favorite among foreign nationals. It is home to a large number of multinational corporations and is a very desirable place to live due to its historic architecture and vibrant cultural scene.

Aberdeen – is a significant oil and gas hub and the third-largest city in Scotland. Due to its strong economy and high standard of living, a significant portion of its population is also made up of expats.

Dundee – is the smallest city in Scotland, it is a significant hub for biotechnology and technology. It is also a vibrant and young city because it has a sizable student population.

Depending on your specific requirements and preferences, Scotland also offers a wide variety of other fantastic places to live. However, these are some of the best choices for people looking to settle in this amazing and stunning nation.

Pros and Cons of Living in Glasgow

Pros:

• amazing university
• great nightlife
• has improved its reputation and is now a safe place to live.
• The streets are too small for easy driving.
• Most of the time, summer is brilliantly warm and sunny.

Cons:

• Without entering the city, the Orange Circle train travels around it.
• costly housing
• Vegetables are difficult to come by.
• There is not much street lighting.
• In the winter, it is dark by 2:00 PM.
• Scottish accent that is hardest to understand (allegedly)
• Edinburgh’s Advantages and Drawbacks

Pros and Cons of Living in Edinburgh

Pros:

• most employment possibilities in Scotland
• celebration culture
• outstanding public transportation
• Stunning city with a rich history
• Numerous bars and nightlife
• amazing university

Cons:

• Extremely hilly
• favored by tourists
• High rents and living expenses
• most days are cloudy and windy.

Conclusion: Living in Scotland as a Foreigner

Overall, I loved being a foreigner living in Scotland.

There is always something to do and the Scots are very warm and welcoming.

I wholeheartedly endorse moving to Scotland if you’re considering it! Just remember that you’ll never be truly Scottish, and be ready for the cold.

You will still be able to take advantage of all the wonderful advantages of residing in this wonderful nation.

I advise researching your visa options and making sure you have a job offer if you’re traveling on a work visa before you leave. If you don’t already have work lined up, you don’t want to waste time paying the high rents in the city.

FAQs About Living in Scotland as an Expat

Living in Scotland vs Ireland

Depending on your priorities, living in Scotland or Ireland has many advantages and disadvantages.

Dublin would be a poor choice if you’re looking for a vibrant city with a lot of nightlife and employment opportunities. Instead, you should consider Edinburgh or Glasgow. However, rural Ireland might be a better fit for you if you prefer a more laid-back atmosphere.

Keep in mind that Scotland has a higher cost of living than Ireland when choosing your location.

Living in Scotland vs England

Living in Scotland or England has many differences, but it really depends on what you’re looking for.

England might be a better option if you want to be close to London and have easy access to the rest of Europe. However, Scotland is undoubtedly the place for you if you prefer a slower pace of life and beautiful scenery.

Major cities in England and Scotland both have expensive housing costs.

Living in Scotland vs America

Depending on what you’re looking for, living in Scotland vs. America has a lot of advantages and disadvantages.

Scotland may seem more manageable and less overwhelming because it is a much smaller country than the United States.

However, America is much more culturally and geographically diverse, providing you with a wider range of options when selecting a place to live.

Though Scottish people have more vacation time and access to free healthcare, the cost of living in major cities is fairly comparable.

Living in Scotland vs Canada

Depending on what you’re looking for, living in Scotland vs. Canada has many advantages and disadvantages.

Scotland is a lot smaller than Canada, so you might find it easier to navigate and less intimidating.

However, Canada is much more culturally and geographically diverse, giving you a wider range of options when selecting a place to live.

Although Canadian healthcare is free, major cities generally have similar cost of living.

Canada has a more varied landscape with more opportunities for outdoor activities, just like America.

Safest places to live in Scotland

Due to their low crime rates, Scotland’s smaller rural communities are thought to be the safest, though they can be very isolating.

For foreigners, Aberdeen, North Berwick, Dennistoun, Edinburgh (which has some pickpocketing crime), and Glasgow are the safest cities in Scotland (historically unsafe, but now very safe)

Is it hard to understand Scottish accents?

Some Scots have very distinct accents that can be challenging for foreigners to understand. But eventually you’ll get used to it. Furthermore, even if you don’t understand what someone is saying, they probably can still explain it to you by providing context clues.

Scots usually don’t mind repeating themselves once or twice because they know that Americans don’t understand their accents well.

Topic: The 20 Lessons I Got From Living In Scotland (Pros and Cons)

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By: Travel Pixy