Desperately seeking to retire permanently to Scotland

Before you go for it, check crime rates and drug abuse statistics.

https://www.statista.com/statistics/370 … e%20rates.

Then check out the cost of living, essentials like rents and food first.

https://www.numbeo.com/cost-of-living/in/Edinburgh

Quality of life is pretty bad in the UK, and Scotland is at the arse end of it.

Frankly, the UK in general is a mess, and Scotland is a bigger one. I would strongly advise avoiding the place.

Hi and welcome to the Forum.

Politically, there is no Utopia.  Right wing politics are on the rise across the world and if you think you are going to find a resurgent Democrat style government anywhere outside the USA, I think you will be disappointed.

Assuming you would prefer an English language speaking country, how about Ireland?  Check out this link to the Irish Government website.

If you are determined on the UK, then your only realistic chance is to return to the work place and find a job/employer willing to sponsor you.

I hope this helps.

Cynic

Expat Team

Assuming you would prefer an English language speaking country, how about Ireland? Check out this

Cynic
Expat Team - @Cynic

Good point.

Scotland isn't really an English speaking country.

It's sort of English at best.

@Fred

They do share the Gaelic language.

We've chosen Scotland deliberately, for several reasons, and researched quality of life & costs, etc.

No, we don't expect Utopia anywhere.  I'm experienced at managing and leading large scale complex projects, including researching widely & deeply to gain knowledge & perspective toward connecting dots and solving problems. So, we're not approaching this as wide-eyed naive fantasy.

I do have career history that may of value, in business leadership and academics. I'll be exploring that for possible opportunities to leverage job offers and a Visa. We have had our own small business consultancy practice since 2005, but I'm not confident of that offering 'unique' value, not would I expect it to meet business growth requirements toward obtaining an Innovator or Founder Visa. But, again, well discuss this with the Immigration Advisor.

I'll also be reviewing a program by which Scotland subsidizes with £50,000 for people willing to live on an island. I know nothing about this program, yet.

Yes, we're exploring other countries, now, too, and Ireland is on that list. I have a lot to do, now, unexpectedly (and disappointingly), so it's going to take some time. I will look for other threads on this site, and I appreciate links & suggestions.

Numbers and real life are different.

I sound anti because I ran away from the drug fuelled crime toilet we call the UK.  You can't really understand it until you live it, then move to a place where that stuff isn't a thing.

@jeff9558

The Scottish islands bond scheme was scrapped in 2022.

Well, you do know that we're in the United States right now, don't you?

@Cynic

OK, thanks. Save me some time...

@Fred

Well, you do know that we're in the United States right now, don't you?

@Fred
Well, you do know that we're in the United States right now, don't you? - @jeff9558

I do.

The question is, do you have drug addicts on the street in the middle of cities with the police doing nothing?

Do shoppers ignore them because it is so normal?

Are you used to 1 out of every 10 people you meet being a victim of crime?

If so, why do you fancy a country that has the same?

I moved away from that rubbish to a country where hardly anyone knows a person that has been subjected to a crime.

The difference is stunning.

That is why I cannot recommend anywhere in the UK as a good place to expatriate.

@Fred

OK, got it. I'm not going to debate about about your experience. I've read your input, and will give it due consideration.

@Fred

Not everywhere is as bad as you say. Sure there are some rough areas, but you can say that everywhere.

Even in my sleepy town in Austria, people smoke weed, but the crime rate is very low. Generally Austria is very safe country, but I wouldn't want to live in some areas of Vienna.

@jeff9558

This link might be of use https://www.scotland.police.uk/about-us … rime-data/

@Fred
OK, got it. I'm not going to debate about about your experience. I've read your input, and will give it due consideration. - @jeff9558

The Numbeo organisation have a website that provides lots of statistical information; this link will take you straight to it.  It covers:

1. Cost of living.
2. Property prices
3. Quality of life (including Crime, Healthcare, Pollution and traffic)

It has a data set for the United Kingdom, but nothing for Scotland, I assume because in Expat terms, Scotland is actually a part of the UK.

Whatever, I wish both you and your wife all the best of luck in your journey.

Cynic

Expat Team

@Cynic

Thank you