An Expat Talks about Living in Banchory, Scotland

What is the name of the city or town that you are reporting on?

Banchory

How long have you lived there?

8 months

What activities, clubs and organizations would you recommend to newcomers to help them meet others?

If you have children, the local primary & secondary school is a great place to meet other parents. Just as in the states, there is a Parent Teacher Association (PTA) that meets regularly. American Women in Aberdeen is also a social/support club that meets in Aberdeen. Aberdeen is approximately 20 minutes from Banchory. Aberdeenshire Council has also been very helpful in providing information on extracurricular activities for children living in the area. Banchory is home to many expats & the locals are very friendly & welcoming.

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In terms of religious, racial, economic and cultural diversity, are the people of this city or town diverse? Are they accepting of differences? Describe.

I've met several families that have relocated here from the states. As for the locals, everyone I have met seem very open to diversity. They sometimes have this feel that we're all decedents from Scotland!

What are the main industries in this city? What types of career opportunities commonly exist? How do most people find new jobs?

Banchory is located approximately 20 minutes from Aberdeen where there are several oil/gas companies. Aberdeenshire Council website is a great place to start searching for available jobs in the area.

In general, what are peoples' priorities in this city? For example, do lives revolve around work, family, socializing, sports, etc.?

In comparing life in the suburbs of Houston to Banchory, Scotland, life rolls along at a much slower pace. From what I've experienced, family...mainly children, are the priority. In healthcare an adult appointment can be cancelled because an ill child needs to be seen. Additionally, community activites are available for children to participate in during school holidays.

If a friend of yours was thinking of moving to this city or town from far away, what other advice would you give them.

In the UK there is a television permit fee that must be paid if you have a TV in your home. I thought it was a scam when I received the notice in the mail. Luckily I had a neighbor that I was able to ask about the legitimacy. If you don't have a TV, they will make an appointment to come out to your residence to verify. Also, before you move, change your address to reflect your new Scotland address on at least one of your credit card statements. When you arrive, you will need to provide a statement with your Scotland address on it in order to open a bank account. If your spouse will also be on the account, he/she will need to have a statement that reflects the new address too. It took about a month after we arrived to open an account because we did not know this small detail.