What I wish I knew before I moved to Scotland

Moving to Scotland from overseas can be one of the most exciting decisions you ever make. With its breathtaking landscapes, rich history, and welcoming communities, it’s a country that quickly feels like home. But, like any big move, there can be surprises along the way.

As a proud multicultural organisation, we have several employees who made the move to Scotland from overseas. Our wonderful workforce includes expats from all over the world, who have come to sunny Scotland from India, Canada, Greece and many other countries.

If you're thinking about relocating to Scotland, here’s what some of our current expat employees wish they knew before they arrived, as well as some great advice to help make your move smoother.

What surprised you about moving to Scotland?

Weather

Never mind 4 seasons in a day… it’s not unusual to get rain, sleet, wind and sun all within the same hour in Scotland. A big surprise for most of our movers to Scotland was just how unpredictable the weather can be, and how much Scottish people love to talk about it. And despite the cold winters, good powder snow for skiing in the north of the country isn’t always guaranteed. Drastic daylight changes were also noted, with movers initially struggling with long summer days turning into long dark winter nights.

Friendly locals

In stark contrast to the chilly and wet weather, the general consensus is that Scottish people are warm and friendly. From striking up conversations or helping out when people look lost, the Scots have and continue to be incredibly welcoming, which has made settling in much easier.

Drinking tap water

Sounds simple right? But for some overseas movers to Scotland, it’s been a small joy to be able to drink fresh, clean water straight from the tap. It’s perhaps something we take for granted as locals, but having such a high quality of water straight from the tap is a brilliant thing.

The property market

Scotland’s property market is structured but complex. Comparatively, buying and renting a home here involves many legal steps. It can feel overwhelming at first, but once you understand the process, you can appreciate how transparent and secure it is. And remember, guiding buyers and sellers through their property journey is at the core of our business, and ESPC can help you with all the stages of your journey, from finding a solicitor estate agent to arranging your mortgage.

Infrastructure & services

While unsurprising for some, many people were impressed by the infrastructure, amenities and facilities in Scotland. Especially in Edinburgh, where the transport system was given a big thumbs up. Many movers also commented on how well Scotland does concerning making places that are wheelchair and pushchair friendly.

Other surprises

While there are many generally shared revelations about moving to Scotland, each person’s experience is different to one another. Other little surprises about moving to Scotland include needing a TV licence to watch live TV, the shops closing too early, broadband installation taking too long and seeing people reading books anywhere and everywhere!

What didn’t surprise you about moving to Scotland?

Natural beauty

Famed across the world for its striking landscapes, Scotland is blessed with stunning natural beauty. Many movers from overseas were well-versed on the gorgeous countryside of the UK’s northernmost nation, with some actively relocating to Scotland for this reason… to quote, “Never before have I felt this much joy just being outdoors”.

History & culture

As equally captivating as the natural beauty of Scotland, the nation’s fascinating history and culture have met the expectations of our expats. Scotland’s rich heritage is well-known throughout the world, and living here has will only deepen your appreciation for it. Visiting places like the National Museum of Scotland and Edinburgh Castle has been a highlight for many.

Quality of education

A fair few of our overseas movers came to Scotland to study, and weren’t at all surprised by the high levels of schooling offered here. We are lucky to have so many prestigious further education establishments with excellent academic reputations here in Scotland.

What you wish you had known before you moved to Scotland?

Again, the Scottish weather featured often in the answer to this question. Those who moved from overseas would have loved to know that you often need warmer clothes in summer, and rainproof jackets all year round! Layering up when out and about in Scotland was a lesson learned very quickly!

The cost of living can vary wildly. While Edinburgh is arguably the most desirable place to live, you will see that renting and buying a home here is expensive. However, if you’re flexible about where you live, you can find fantastic value for money. Another point was the high energy costs, especially in winter. So prepare for higher heating bills in the colder months.

As some of our contributors to this article came to Scotland as students, some noted that they wish they’d known how challenging it is to find student accommodation in Edinburgh. At ESPC Lettings, we have a great team who can help you find a rental property.

A few more things that expats wish they knew before moving to Scotland include that everything runs on appointments and booking ahead is a must, that the Scottish accent feels like a whole other language and things didn’t always go to plan - to having patience to deal with things as they happened and knowing they would eventually work out was a big thing.

What is the best advice you'd give someone who is going to move to Scotland from overseas

What better way to prepare yourself for a move to Scotland from overseas than getting advice from those who have already done so...

• Embrace the culture and get involved in local activities.
• Invest in a good waterproof jacket and comfortable shoes, and dress in layers.
• Sort your admin early - Bank accounts, GP registration, council tax - it’s easier if done sooner.
• Say yes to experiences - The more you explore, the sooner Scotland feels like home.
• Do research before you go - learn the basics of what to do before and after your move to ensure you don’t miss anything.
• Learn about the property market before you arrive, whether you plan to rent or buy.
• Join an expat group with people from your home country.
• Be patient with yourself - Moving abroad is a big change, but soon, you’ll find your rhythm.

Moving to Scotland could be the best decision you ever make. It’s a country full of history, charm, and warmth - not just from the people but from the sense of belonging it offers. Whether you’re here for work, study, or a fresh start, embracing the culture and the quirks will make your move all the more rewarding!