We have long known that Scotland is the perfect place to raise a family. With stunning scenery, gorgeous parks and cities, a rich culture, welcoming population and family-friendly attractions in every region – we think there’s no better country for your family to call home. Many will come for a visit and never want to leave.
But now our opinion has been confirmed - recent Migration and Population research from the Expert Advisory Group (EAG) has found that over the last 20 years, more people have been moving to Scotland than have migrated away. This has reversed a long-term trend of people leaving Scotland for elsewhere, with 137,000 people moving to Scotland from the rest of the UK since 2001.
In this blog, we have highlighted just some of the benefits you can expect when you make the decision to move your family to Scotland.
World-class education
Of course, as the representative of Scotland’s independent schools we have to start with our country’s world-leading educational opportunities and make the case for our great schools!
Families moving to Scotland have an abundance of top-class independent schools to choose from. We represent 71 independent schools across the country from large city centre day schools to rural boarding and everything between - each school has its own distinct ethos and values, but all will encourage your child to be the very best they can be.
As well as record attainment levels, our schools also nurture pupils with extensive pastoral systems set up to provide support as and when students need it. Pupils have access to brilliant co-curricular activities, from sport and music to theatre and debating, and excellent wraparound care.
Countless ideas for family fun
When the school holidays come around, you are guaranteed to be spoiled for choice when it comes to fun activities for the whole family.
Up and down the country there are opportunities to get out and explore, and with over 200 festivals taking place in Scotland every year, including the world-famous Edinburgh Fringe Festival, there’s always something fun going on nearby!
In the summer months, Scotland benefits from up to 17 hours of daylight per day, meaning the summer holidays offer ample opportunity for making the most of the kids’ time off. Enjoy adventurous staycations across Scotland’s coasts and glens, explore our historic cities or discover fun events near you – there’s so much to do!
Unbeatable scenery & wildlife
Scotland is famed around the world for its rugged beauty – in fact, in 2019 it was voted the most beautiful country in the world by readers of influential travel guide Rough Guide.
From moody glens to lush forests and breath-taking lochs, there is no better place to reconnect to nature. Your family will love exploring every corner of Scotland’s landscapes, as well as discovering the unique wildlife who live there.
The range of environments within easy access of one another means that you can enjoy an astounding variety of outdoor activities, from hiking and rock climbing to mountain biking and horse riding – you could even surf and ski on the same day if you wanted to!
If you’re lucky, across Scotland you can spot eagles, deer, beavers, otters, osprey, foxes, humpback whales, dolphins and of course the iconic Highland Cow!
A rich heritage and welcoming culture
Scotland is a progressive nation, and the Scots are renowned for their welcoming, jovial nature. Scotland’s culture can be traced back nearly a thousand years, from the ancient clans to the vibrant cities of today.
Scotland has a fascinating history and Scots have made important contributions to many fields over the years, from literature and film to science and sport. This contribution to world history reflects the country’s global outlook today.
More than 170 languages are spoken in Scotland, with this mix reflecting our modern and inclusive nation. It is a rich and diverse country, with many different cultures from around the world living in harmony together.
A safe place to live
Scotland is a welcoming nation and safe place for you and your family to live and work in.
Here, you'll find a strong sense of community and willingness to help others.
Crime is at its lowest levels in over 40 years. While more recently, the Scottish Government was commended for its handling of the Covid-19 pandemic in a BBC Scotland survey – with 72% of survey respondents agreeing that the crisis had been handled well, compared to just 25% thinking the same about the UK Government.
The Scottish Parliament is a young, open, participative and progressive parliament, often studied by leaders and parliamentarians from around the world. Its pioneering policies have resulted in free care for the elderly, funeral payment support, abolishment of tax on period products, accommodation rights for the homeless, access independent advocacy for vulnerable people, and equal marriage rights.
It is currently working towards an ambitious climate change plan to end its contribution to climate change by 2045.
Scottish food and drink
We can’t extol the virtues of life in Scotland without remarking on the country’s most popular delicacies! One of the biggest myths about Scotland is that people only eat unhealthy, deep-fried food – but this couldn’t be further from the truth.
In Scotland people enjoy access to some of the best fresh produce in the world, from fish and seafood so good that it is exported all over the world, to world-famous beef and top-quality lamb, fruit and vegetables.
Scotland’s national dish is haggis and while traditionally enjoyed with homegrown potatoes and turnips, you’ll also find it in various formats in some of the country’s top restaurants.
Visitors from afar love to enjoy the curiosities of the Scottish menu and for our international boarding community it’s always a key part in the inauguration into life in Scotland. Families can enjoy Scotland’s larder through the many farm shops throughout the country, which all offer high quality, seasonal, locally-grown food and drink.
Considering registering your child at a Scottish Independent School? SCIS can help - use our find a school tool or get in touch with us today.