Moving to Edinburgh
Expats moving to Edinburgh will find much more than the stereotypical kilted clansman huffing and puffing his merry bagpipes on a heather-clad moor. While the Scottish capital may be blessed with an Old Town that still enchants newly moved expats with images of kings, and queens and William Wallace, it also beckons expats with it's modern New Town and its role as one of the most frequented festival cities in Europe.
In fact, many expats that move to Edinburgh find that they've actually immigrated to two cities. This Jekyll and Hyde phenomenon is inspired by the stark contrast between the Old Town and New Town. The Old Town, partially a UNESCO Heritage site, creates the context for that rich feeling of living history; and the New Town, defined by contemporary architecture and cutting edge shops and restaurants, is as culturally chic as they come.
As home to the University of Edinburgh and the Bank of Scotland, Edinburgh's working world is dominated by highly qualified professionals, seasoned academics and pointed researchers. Industry is concentrated in the science and technology, creative, financial and tourism sectors. Expats should prepare for a highly skilled workforce, most of whom have some degree of tertiary education.
The city itself is a pedestrian-friendly mosaic of open green space intermixed with the cobbled alleyways of Old Town and the wide Georgian avenues of New Town. An easy to use public transport system connects nearby suburbs, and even makes the coasts and countryside accessible for a quick weekend break.
Expats can take comfort in a reputable state sponsored healthcare system, the city is included in the UK based NHS, and an education system that is regarded as one of the best in both England and Scotland.
Edinburgh also remains one of the more reasonably priced UK cities to make home. Housing is considerably cheaper than what would be found in London, and even food and entertainment costs are less expensive.
One element that expats can struggle to adapt too is the consistent grim, grey of the weather. Days become short in winter, sunlight becomes sparse, and high-winds and frequent rainfall can make for melancholy moods.
Still, with the legendary Edinburgh arts festival to look forward to in August, and an impressive selection of pubs to help take the nip out of the winter air, expats can embrace a high quality of life in this medium-sized metropolis.
In fact, many expats that move to Edinburgh find that they've actually immigrated to two cities. This Jekyll and Hyde phenomenon is inspired by the stark contrast between the Old Town and New Town. The Old Town, partially a UNESCO Heritage site, creates the context for that rich feeling of living history; and the New Town, defined by contemporary architecture and cutting edge shops and restaurants, is as culturally chic as they come.
As home to the University of Edinburgh and the Bank of Scotland, Edinburgh's working world is dominated by highly qualified professionals, seasoned academics and pointed researchers. Industry is concentrated in the science and technology, creative, financial and tourism sectors. Expats should prepare for a highly skilled workforce, most of whom have some degree of tertiary education.
The city itself is a pedestrian-friendly mosaic of open green space intermixed with the cobbled alleyways of Old Town and the wide Georgian avenues of New Town. An easy to use public transport system connects nearby suburbs, and even makes the coasts and countryside accessible for a quick weekend break.
Expats can take comfort in a reputable state sponsored healthcare system, the city is included in the UK based NHS, and an education system that is regarded as one of the best in both England and Scotland.
Edinburgh also remains one of the more reasonably priced UK cities to make home. Housing is considerably cheaper than what would be found in London, and even food and entertainment costs are less expensive.
One element that expats can struggle to adapt too is the consistent grim, grey of the weather. Days become short in winter, sunlight becomes sparse, and high-winds and frequent rainfall can make for melancholy moods.
Still, with the legendary Edinburgh arts festival to look forward to in August, and an impressive selection of pubs to help take the nip out of the winter air, expats can embrace a high quality of life in this medium-sized metropolis.
