American-friendly places in Scotland?

Question

I have wrapped up college, and have been wanting to move to Scotland for a long time. However, while I've been living on my own in America for a bit, switching countries and lifestyles would be terrifying to some extent. Originally, the plan was to bunk with a relative - but unfortunately she passed away 2 years ago.

Are there American-friendly areas of Scotland that a foreigner could get an "easier" start? I say Scotland, because of both childhood and my ancestry. My mother was from Edinburgh, but hasn't been back since I was born.

Any advice would be appreciated on both locations, and how to ease the transition. Thank you!

I ask this as in.. for example: You don't move down into the Southern states of the USA (and specifically certain towns/cities) if you're African-American or Arabic.

As for political ideals and whatnot, I don't really tote my views around as a flag, nor let it define me. I also don't like letting the President define me and the country I'm from. We're not a bad lot!

Thank you for the pub advice, but I'm mostly looking for places to settle down and move into - for both living and jobs. :)

Answer 1

I would try any pub. Friendly folks are in pubs always ready to talk with a stranger. They will like that your Mom is from Scotland. You will be immediately interesting to them. Ask about the country, their traditions, and get them talking. You will make lots of friends. Tell them you want to know about your wonderful Scottish heritage and they will be glad to oblige.

Answer 2

Hmmm, sadly I can only suggest you look for a fairly densely populate area - like larger towns or even the cities.

Once you get into the smaller villages things can become VERY closed - such that until you have lived there for a decade or more you are CLEARLY made to feel like the "outsider".

In the larger towns and cities - no-one cares as no-one notices.

Same in Wales too and some of the smaller villages in the UK to a degree.

Not trying to be negative about this but if you want to feel part of the community then I suggest you look at a fairly large one - and DEFINATELY not a small one in the Highlands.

I have had a few friends move to different parts of Scotland - all very different personalities and ALL of them have expressed a difficulty in being accepted.

I guess Edingburgh might be as good a place as any - but as with ALL cities in the UK, check it out a little first, there are great parts and a few "not so great" parts of the city.

Mark

Answer 3

I am Scottish and I think all areas of Scotland are potentially American-friendly.

Some advice though.........

Almost everyone in Scotland thinks Bush is a........not very nice man.

Almost everyone is Scotland thinks the Iraq war is a ......not very good idea.

Almost everyone in Scotland thinks Christian fundamentalists are a ...... set of people who perhaps need to rethink their position.

We are basically a warm and welcoming people, but this is a country where more than half of the population vote for socialist policies and political parties.

So, if you're cool with that, you'll get on just fine. You'd probably be best starting with either Edinburgh or Glasgow, as big cities have more job opportunities and you'd be more likely to meet other Americans.

Email me when you get here and let me know how it's going! Good luck:-)

Answer 4

Scots are really no different to other nationalities, (except that we are better)!
Most Scots get on with all other nationalities, some of us even tolerate the English (I'm not one of those English tolerators)!
You ask for advise on 'both locations' I've only seen you mention Edinburgh, which I dont have a lot of time for, it's just a tourist 'rip off' place to my way of thinking! But it would be a good place to start I suppose.
How to ease the transition???? How to get an easier start???We are no different to other folk, just dont come across as a bragget, some of us may think you are English if you do!!!
there is no such thing as an easy start, learn as you go!
One other thing, good luck with your move, I'm sure you will get to know us.

Answer 5

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That will not save you in Scotland or anywhere else for that matter. You may not openly display them, but everyone will just see you as an American as soon as oyu open your mouth & sadly despise you because of the Dumbass you have in the White House. Because of your President American's don't have a good reputation abroad.

I'm not saying you aren't a genuine person yourself, just warning you that oyu might get a hostlie reception.

Answer 6

Barlinnie or Paisley