making the move ?

[slohairt]

I was looking into this a few months ago, mainly for entertainment value. The rules on immigrating to the UK are very complex and difficult. For starters, it seems that they grant priority to people coming from Eastern Europe, the Middle East, and Asia. Immigrating from North America is much more difficult since we have no hardships or reason for asylum.

The costs are outrageous, too. But I suppose that's true of any country. I know it ain't cheap to immigrate to the USA, for instance.

They have a weird points-based system and different 'tiers' of migrant status that are incredibly hard to comprehend. Last time I checked, I could easily get the points needed, but my wife would have a hard time.

This is a good place to start: http://www.ukba.homeoffice.gov.uk/

It's worth pointing out that it is far easier for Canadians to emigrate to the UK than it is for Americans. As Commonwealth citizens we (and probably some of the Caribbean states/territories as well) have different rules and/restrictions. So, different rules for different parts of North America.

DISCLAIMER: I'm no immigration lawyer! Also, the point is moot for me anyway as an Irish citizen!

[MacMillan of Rathdown]

It has been my experience that most Americans who actually up sticks and move to Scotland, Ireland, or England, rarely last more that three years. The reason for this is cultural deprivation-- you don't realise just how "American" you are, and how dependent you are on the tiny things like your favourite brand of breakfast cereal. Another serious problem is having to deal with mindless bureaucracy on a level that just doesn't exist in America. I have seen women reduced to tears dealing with the local planning office over something as simple as replacing a bathroom window. Obtaining a driving license is another problem, as is car insurance, which will be eye-wateringly expensive.

The cost of living will also be an absolute shock. Everything costs more, much more than in the USA or Canada; most, after three years, find they just can't survive on their retirement income. As one departing ex-pat American told me, "I'd rather be poor in America than dead broke in Scotland".

My wife and I have the ability to live where ever we want, but when it came time to think about retiring, the USA was top of the list (well, okay, I wanted to move to Monte Negro, but my wife nixed that in a heart beat...).

Would I move back to Scotland?... maybe. I saw on-line where there's a nice town house for sale in Leith, and wee Terpersie Castle has recently been on the market as well. A place in town, and a place in the country. What could be better? Ah, if only it weren't for the taxes and the cost of petrol ($9.24 per US gallon as of this morning).....

[Lime]

if only it weren't for the taxes and the cost of petrol ($9.24 per US gallon as of this morning)

We like to think of it as those bars that charge a little more for their drinks: "yes it is expensive... still... keeps the riff raff out!

[weeknee]

There are a few things that i cant seem to get a handel on, such as the bureaucracy. Your window needs fixed, you fix it...no permission needed, in my mind anyway. Also, housing...dont rightly understand the council homes and such. Making a living eludes me insomuch as a person makes 9 pounds an hour but can support a family. I know most of my misunderstanding is due to my American mentality but the numbers just dont jive in my head.

[cessna152towser]

Your window needs fixed, you fix it...no permission needed, in my mind anyway.

In the ordinary case yes, however if the property is listed as of historic interest, which many older houses are, then windows need to be replaced on an exact like for like basis and historic windows can be difficult and expensive to reproduce.

Also, housing...dont rightly understand the council homes and such.

Traditionally the local council (selectmen) provided social rented houses (ie houses at a much cheaper rent than the market price payable to a private landlord). In recent years many of the councils have disposed of their housing stock to new charities which have been set up to provide social rented housing. I am a board member of one such housing association. As a key incoming worker you would have priority for a tenancy of social rented housing.

Making a living eludes me insomuch as a person makes 9 pounds an hour but can support a family.

In cases of larger families with lower incomes our benefits system provides supplements to the income of the wage earner. We do have a very generous welfare system here, but that is one reason why our taxes are so high.

[kilted scholar]

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[chrisupyonder]

Has anyone immigrated to Scotland from afar? Im interested in gathering some info. I know ferners are'nt very popular right now, but still interested. Thanx.

In all honesty, if it was me, living in the USA, I would be more inclined to move to somewhere like Nova Scotia. They are probably more Scottish there than the Scots in Scotland.
It looks not unlike parts of Scotland. I would love to visit and they didn't call it New Scotland for nothing.

http://www.explorenovascotia.com/pho...dex.cfm?cid=24

But if you really want to... Housing is cheaper in Caithness and there are a few Americans and Canadians living here.

Check out

http://www.caithness.org

and look in the forum as well.

Other places in Scotland quite often have their own community web site.

Chris.