Living/ Working in Scotland
disgruntledgoat
Posts: 8,957
I know there are a number of Picts on here, so I tought I'd seek some opinions. I have an interview in Hamilton on Monday for a job for which I am the only candidate, given that this gives me a reasonable chance of success, I think I need to start thinking about the practical considerations.
Firstly living somewhere. Both me and my girlfriend have friends/ family in Edinburgh, is that a feasible commute to Hamilton? Both being country bumpkins (we currently live in the lake district) we'd be lookng to live somewhere at least semi rural, so suggestions as to areas to look would be great.
As we're not looking to buy up there for a while at least, what am I looking at paying in rent for a 2 or 3 bed house with a garage and a little garden and what are my chances of the dog being allowed? We're paying about £650 a month for that arrangement at present.
Finally, job-wise... Our lass is a teacherand I know that you guys up there have a different qualification for that... Can you take a conversion course or is your English certificate worthless (which would seem really odd...)? Bearing this in mind what woud the job prospects be like for a former teacher with 6 years experience & a French Degree, either in education or elsewhere?
Thanks guys!
Firstly living somewhere. Both me and my girlfriend have friends/ family in Edinburgh, is that a feasible commute to Hamilton? Both being country bumpkins (we currently live in the lake district) we'd be lookng to live somewhere at least semi rural, so suggestions as to areas to look would be great.
As we're not looking to buy up there for a while at least, what am I looking at paying in rent for a 2 or 3 bed house with a garage and a little garden and what are my chances of the dog being allowed? We're paying about £650 a month for that arrangement at present.
Finally, job-wise... Our lass is a teacherand I know that you guys up there have a different qualification for that... Can you take a conversion course or is your English certificate worthless (which would seem really odd...)? Bearing this in mind what woud the job prospects be like for a former teacher with 6 years experience & a French Degree, either in education or elsewhere?
Thanks guys!
"In many ways, my story was that of a raging, Christ-like figure who hauled himself off the cross, looked up at the Romans with blood in his eyes and said 'My turn, sock cookers'"
@gietvangent
@gietvangent
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A bit of a hike from Edinburgh to Hamilton. About two hours on a train. You shouldn't have too much difficulty finding a suitable rural home in Lanarkshire. It is pleasant countryside, though a little tame by Scottish standards (and Lakeland). If you could manage the lengthy commute from Edinburgh, it would give you some scope to find a place.
As far as teaching goes, if "your lass" has a degree and over a year's experience in teaching, it should be straightforward to register in Scotland.
http://www.scotland.gov.uk/Publications ... 4557/45580
Good luck with the job.0 -
If it was me I'd be looking somewhere south of Hamilton so I'd be close to Dumfries and Galloway and some great cycling. I'm from southern Scotland FWIW.More problems but still living....0
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Are languages compulsory in Scottish schools? Presuming that your 'lass' teaches French she may find it hard to find a post if, as in England, they are no longer compulsory.~~~~~~Sustrans - Join the Movement~~~~~~0
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Hamilton is one of the better Lanarkshire towns. Avoid towns to eastern side of the Clyde from Airdrie south to Wishaw.
I'm a Lanarkshire lad so I can get away with saying that.
Just north of H/ton, Bothwell & Uddingston both have nice semi rural areas.
Nearby East Kilbride is a Scottish version of Milton Keynes.
Just south of Hamilton is the Clyde Valley - A72 rural commuter belt. Great cycling is easily at hand in places like Lanark + Strathaven. Avoid Larkhall unless you like walking in bowler hats. Thinking about it Stra'ven would be a great choice if you like the countryside. Handy for the motorway, not too small a village and no history of Lanarkshire's heavy industry and the problems that brings.
Edinburgh > Hamilton commute will take you along the M8. Probably the most tiresome glorified dual carriageway in the UK ,with the most overcrowded outside lane filled with idiotic BMWers. Oh and don't get me started on the Raith Interchange under the M74. On a good day it will take 50 mins in rush hour. On a bad day 2-3 hours.
good luck.0 -
Avoid Larkhall unless you like walking in bowler hats
And the colour orange....0 -
Can't comment on the teaching or accomodation part but from driving through/past Hamilton, I would have thought somewhere on the southern outskirts would be perfect. Handy for both work and pleasant cycling plus easy acces to the motorway to Glasgow or back down south.
It's not too far from the Lake District that you can't take a wee jaunt this weekend to scope out the area and get some local papers to find out about available accomodation. That would be my method anyway.None of the above should be taken seriously, and certainly not personally.0 -
It's not too far from the lakes. (I did Coniston to Hampden in about two and a half hours. Knock at least 40 mins off that for Hamilton.
Carluke might be worth considering easy for Hamilton and has good transport links to Embr.
Your lass could look at www.teachinscotland.com
Best of luck. Let us know how it goes.
-Spider-0 -
No offence to some of the great friends I've made in Scotland but I'm now in my 11th year living up here and I hate it.
I've never truly settled despite having had some great jobs and excellent nights out in Glasgow.
It's the constant potential of abuse for having an English (in my case a very broad Essex) accent that concerns me. Had issues where 2 guys tried to start trouble on the train (one night during WC 2006) puely as I was speaking to my parents on my phone and they took exception to the English accent. Also when the inevitable cyclist v motorsit issues start, you can guarantee 9 times out of 10 you will get some form of anti-English abuse when they realise you're not a Scot. We also had issues with local kids where we now live and the police (well one constable in particular) was decidedly racist is his approach.
Actually read a really great Sociology book I spotted in the library called "Being English in Scotland" and it was very interesting about how the Scots have railed against immigration from down south. I'm apparently what is known as a "White Settler" although this title now enrages the Scottish Independence nutters apparently.
Don't get me wrong, on a one-to-one level most Scots are fine and cause no issues. It seems that when they all get jingoistic and [cough, cough] patriotic there's a problem. The usual tired excuse of "it's not the English people we hate hate, it's their media" gets trawled out time and time again. Well I'm sorry, but at certain times e.g. big national football matches or when Murray is doing well at Wimbledon then you wouldn't know any difference.
My wife is a born and bred Aberdonian so before the backlash starts I feel suitably qualified to comment (plus my decade here speaks volumes too). I've got a friend who's a teacher in Dumbarton (originally from Durham) who would echo a lot of what I've got to say here too.
Fingers crossed the move back to England we've spoken about for so long will happen in 2011...0 -
Fingers crossed the move back to England we've spoken about for so long will happen in 2011...
And then your wife gets the abuse.....0 -
Retro1702 wrote:Weejie54 wrote:Fingers crossed the move back to England we've spoken about for so long will happen in 2011...
And then your wife gets the abuse.....
That's a risk we're prepared to take...
The abuse I got when I worked in England!
From the "He's doesn't understand he's a jock" to threats of violence. I couldn't wait to get back home.
I still visit friends in England regularly and I detect an increasing anti-Scots feeling South of the border. This is, no-doubt, supported by the Daily Heil and other papers but it really is tiresome to keep getting abuse just becase of where I come from. The most recent example was two weeks ago in the Lake District.
These morons will appear wherever you go - but some places are worse than others.
-Spider-0 -
I agree it can happen anywhere - one of my friends has just moved back up again after 5 years in Northampton where there daughter was consistently bullied for being Scottish.
Scotland doesn't have the monopoly on the narrow-minded...
I lived in Hamilton for a few years myself (despite not being a west-coaster). The Clyde Valley isn't far away, good infrastructure with excellent rail links to Glasgow, handy for the motorway for any direction. I wouldn't fancy a commute from there to Edinburgh though!
A central belt location would mean a shorter commute and easy access to both Edinburgh and Glasgow (allowing your partner more scope for job hunting). Not that I'm biased at all...
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I'm quite surprised by what's been said above.
I moved up to Edinburgh from the Bath area over 10 years ago and don't think I've ever had a problem with regards to being an evil Sassenach, except occasional, light hearted office banter.
I've worked in Glasgow for a couple of years, and about a year in Fife, but mainly in Livingston for that time.
The people have been, by and large, very friendly and there's fantastic countryside for biking (and climbing)
England seems incredibly crowded when I head back down.
Perhaps I've been quite sheltered, so not too sure what it would be like teaching in the schools though...
Good luck and enjoy it!0 -
But funnily enough I'm also an Englishman, and a teacher, with a distinct public school accent that 25 years of living in Scotland hasn't eradicated; and I have never been the victim of this legendary anti-english racism. You do hear a lot of anti-english talk but I reckon no more serious than the kind of jingoistic waffle the english specialise in, the interesting thing is that a lot of my neighbours, colleagues and friends will go on like this occasionally, sometimes (but only sometimes) they'll catch themselves on and apologise.Retro1702 wrote:I've got a friend who's a teacher in Dumbarton (originally from Durham) who would echo a lot of what I've got to say here too.
I guess I have gone native by now: I reckon that successful immigration depends to a large extent on how willing you are to identify with your new compatriots. That doesn't mean you can't retain your identity, and you don't need to overdo it either - thankfully I've never mastered Dundonian (everybody repeat after me: "Eh'll hae a peh, a bridie, an' an ingin ane an' a'")
More seriously, as long as you understand that the Scots are more sensitive than they might be to the fact that Scotland is not England (most also have this strange idea that the UK and England are not exactly the same thing either), you'll get on fine. Coming to terms with the subtle but distinct differences in the education system is a good place to start, previous posters have pointed you in the right direction for info.
Lanarkshire is not really my stamping ground but almost anywhere in the central belt you've got nice places to live, plenty of countryside, and it's not far to go for all the big city stuff: Edinburgh and Glasgow between them have pretty much everything you could want from a big city.
And you're close to much bigger and emptier spaces in Galloway, and not that far from the Highlands - only about an hour's drive off peak from Hamilton.
Overall I'd recommend - I'm not denying Retro's experiences, or implying that it's his own fault in some way, but it's not my experience or that of all the other English (or Welsh, or Irish) folk I know round here.0 -
Welcome to civilisation!
+1 for not traveling to/from Edinburgh - the M8 is misery, and the public transport route would take ages. Also Edinburgh is more expensive.
For semi-rural, I would second the Strathaven suggestion - nice town just outside East Kilbride, so you have EK handy for shopping, cinema, amenities, etc, and < 1hr to central Glasgow. Hamilton itself is OK, and has some decent areas. Bothwell is nice, but a bit more expensive (I think).
You could also consider Glasgow itself, although not so rural. On the southeast side there is Burnside, which is quite nice and right on the edge of the urban boundary, so close to countryside. My brother stays in Glasgow's west end and works in Hamilton just now - he gets the train and I think it is < 1hr. West End is very nice but can be quite expensive.
On the north side of Glasgow you could consider Bishopbriggs or Lenzie, which are on the north edge of the urban boundary, and allow decent cycling options (although road surfaces are not always the best). Both well <1hr drive to Hamilton.
For something a bit further afield (and far more cycling orientated) you could look North, up towards Stirling. Commute should still be about 1hr as it would be motorway most of the way. From near Stirling you can access some excellent cycling and are getting close to the hills. The downside is this would leave you a longer drive back south for visiting family back home. Edinburgh would be easy down the M9.
Finally for house hunting some useful websites are GSPC, S1 Homes, Rightmove. I had a very quick look for Strathaven, and seems to be in the region of £500 to £750 for what you’re after.0 -
Thanks guys, some of that is some really good food for thought, especially the realisation that herself can indeed continue teaching!
Will look into those locations mentioned, may try and prise some relocation out of them too... Somebody in here suggested Lockerbie as it would allow my other half to continue teaching in Carlisle whilst she looks for another job and would make my commute about an hour by train (we only have one car between us and I don't drive!)
As for the anti-English feeling, the thought hadn't even crossed my mind! Poor naive me!"In many ways, my story was that of a raging, Christ-like figure who hauled himself off the cross, looked up at the Romans with blood in his eyes and said 'My turn, sock cookers'"
@gietvangent0 -
Ditto with never having had any 'anti-english' trouble (mind i do live in Embra)
plus scotland really is the most amazing country - it's kinda stole my heart a little (and i grew up in the Langdale valley - so the benchmark was quite high).
The Borders and D&G might be best known for the MTB - but the roads are pretty amazing too - it's like someone shut them just for you.blog: bellevedere0 -
disgruntledgoat wrote:As for the anti-English feeling, the thought hadn't even crossed my mind! Poor naive me!
Sorry for pointing it out. By no means did I want to put you off. Just felt it worth sharing as I remember it didn't really cross my mind a decade ago.
Seems as if some people conveniently forgot I said I've made friends and had good times and it's not all doom & gloom up here. I've just given it my best shot & now aspire to move back to England.
Oh & remember the further north you go the less daylight in winter there is, it still shocks me that in December at my in-laws daylight is only from about 8.30am to 3.30pm & that's if it's a reasonable day. If it's dull & raining then it sometimes never truly gets light. Although, on the flip side up there in June some night it's only ever half-light before the sun comes up again.0 -
disgruntledgoat wrote:.... Somebody in here suggested Lockerbie as it would allow my other half to continue teaching in Carlisle whilst she looks for another job and would make my commute about an hour by train (we only have one car between us and I don't drive!)
I don't think many trains actually stop at Lockerbie.More problems but still living....0 -
amaferanga wrote:disgruntledgoat wrote:.... Somebody in here suggested Lockerbie as it would allow my other half to continue teaching in Carlisle whilst she looks for another job and would make my commute about an hour by train (we only have one car between us and I don't drive!)
I don't think many trains actually stop at Lockerbie.
Virgin trains do stop at Lockerbie but they don't stop at Hamilton.0 -
i would consider staying in the hamilton/lanark.strathaven area.nice places to stay good roads for cycling anything further north in lanarkshire starts getting a bit more bleak.i know i live in one of these towns.so iknow what they are like.
if you stay in or around this area you can come and join us at law wheelers,who regularly use the roads of south lanarkshire as their playground.
friendly bunch which include four of your countrymen as regulars,with some great banter thrown in.we even have some female members who also go on the club run on sundays.so there's no excuse for the missus to feel left out.
as for people not being friendly-you get rednecks everywhere-the majority of people couldn't care less if you came from mars or england.so land the job then start looking around this sort of area and enjoy it and i might see you soon
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Hi
For semi rural i would suggest Biggar, Symington or Lanark also they are only 40 mins from Edinburgh and avoid the M8 They are about 30 mins from Hamilton.
I live in Carluke 20 mins from Hamilton just up the clyde valley from it ,surrounded by great cycling.
If your considering Lockerbie (imho, not the most pleasant place) why not Moffat a beautiful small town 2 mins off M74 (with cycling around it to die for) and it would only take you 50 mins to commute to Hamilton. Here's the but :twisted: would you want to commute through the winter over Beattock summit on the M74 every day :?:
BTY getting a teaching post will be difficult as the honorable Scottish Executive (or as Alex likes to call himself the Scottish Government) guarantee posts to all probationers for the first year out. After that, they get dumped to take the next years probationers, why? Because Alex and his cronies give the council the money for the probationers, therefore, the standard of education in Scottish schools is falling as experienced teachers leave they are constanly being replaced by probationers.
Oh dear, think that's a rant and off topic :oops:
Peter0 -
Don't go, I'm from the west coast (Irvine) and I fcuking hated it up there, left when I was 16 and have never regretted it. If you like narrow minded bigotry, irrational hatred of the english and secterianism then its the place for you. If not, then stay in the lakes.
Its ok for a visit every decade or so, but the visits cement the idea that living down south is a lot better IMHO.0 -
Don't go, I'm from the west coast (Irvine)...
How very rational. I don't think the OP was considering Irvine. You didn't like your home town, so you advise anyone thinking of moving to another town in the same country against it based on that experience.
BTW, I know Irvine well. It has some pretty rough areas, but I have some very genuine friends there. I know some rough areas in Cumbria too - and have come across some pretty bigoted people there. It doesn't stop me from having fond memories of my days working there.0 -
I know some rough areas in Cumbria too - and have come across some pretty bigoted people there.
Aint that the truth!"In many ways, my story was that of a raging, Christ-like figure who hauled himself off the cross, looked up at the Romans with blood in his eyes and said 'My turn, sock cookers'"
@gietvangent0 -
I moved to Edinburgh for work 3 1/2 years ago and love it.
We live in Edinburgh, but if your job is in Hamilton, I wouldn't move to Edinburgh:
Housing is expensive
Long commute - the M8 has cropped up a few times on the thread.
Weather is colder/windier than S. Wales/W. Midlands where we moved from.
There is so much countryside/scenery around - we went skiing on 3 seperate weekends this year - just a short drive to Glenshee / Aviemore - brilliant.
We have found ourselves welcomed into our community and made lots of friends, and never experienced any animosity.
A co-workers fiancee moved up about two years ago from W. Midlands and was working there as a teacher. She has stuggled to get employment as a teacher in the Edinburgh area.0 -
As some one who lives in Edinburgh it is a great place to live but definately too far for a commute to Hamilton.
In a sweeping generalisation the West coast has more secretarian issues than caring about you being English. When they say there is an atmosphere of hatred at Rangers v Celtic they mean it!!
Moving towards the borders is a good idea, and Moffat as suggested is a nice place with some awesome cycling. The Mennock Pass nearby was always used in the Tour of Britain and is good for hill repeat training.
My wife is a long time teacher working in a private school. She got the job by volunteering to work in the school after graduating and made contacts that way. Might be an option for your wife if any in the area you settle.Tri Coaching
https://www.h3otriathlon.com0 -
I've known a few people suffer anti English trouble in Scotland but only seriously for their kids at school. If I didn't have kids I wouldn't worry too much about it - it's just a minority of idiots. Just anecdotally I've found the East coast around Perth to be worse than the West but I might be biased as my family are from Renfrewshire.
I disagree with the poster who said it's the same for Scots who move to England - in general I reckon there is more anti English sentiment north of the border than anti Scottish sentiment south of it.
it's a hard life if you don't weaken.0 -
I disagree with the poster who said it's the same for Scots who move to England - in general I reckon there is more anti English sentiment north of the border than anti Scottish sentiment south of it.
Boris doesn't agree with you:
http://www.boris-johnson.com/2009/11/30 ... interests/0 -
Carluke might be worth considering easy for Hamilton and has good transport links to Embr.
God no. There's some really nice cycling round there. But it's a total dormitory town with nothing in it. I used to have to spend a week there every summer and there was absolutely nothing to do. If you fancy a really good laugh (seriously) have a look at a page some of the local kids put up http://www.carlukeguide.co.uk/
If you like the quiet life it's a nice place with a lot of good people living in it. But I'd try to find somewhere a bit livelier.http://www.strathspey.co.uk - Quality Binoculars at a Sensible Price.
Specialized Roubaix SL3 Expert 2012, Cannondale CAAD5,
Marin Mount Vision (1997), Edinburgh Country tourer, 3 cats!0
