Living in Scotland(FIDI Focus)
23rd February 2008 Kevin Brown, a partner with one of the UK’s oldest companies, Aberdeen-based removal firm, the Shore Porters’ Society – which was established in 1498 – looks at what Scotland has to offer people moving from abroad and setting up home there.
For many people, their perception of Scotland is driven by the famous Hollywood images of rolling hills, wild heather, whisky-swigging Highlanders and kilt-wearing warriors swinging large swords and axes.
I can happily confirm for anyone thinking of relocating to our wonderful country, that not all of this is still true. Our menfolk no longer ride around on horseback, faces daubed in traditional war paint, and we stopped carrying out disembowelling exercises – think Mel Gibson in Braveheart – many centuries ago!
The kilt, while still our national dress, tends these days to only be worn at official functions such as weddings, graduation ceremonies and company dinners. Although, thankfully, there are still some traditionalists who continue to wear these ‘skirts’ on an everyday basis – even if they are just popping to the shops for a pint of milk!
The unpredictable weather we ‘enjoy’ here remains a sore point for us Scots, but the sun – yes we have heard of that strange yellow sphere in the sky – DOES in fact come out from time to time, albeit usually only once a year and often accompanied by those pesky little blighters known as midges!
I have no doubt, however, that anyone escaping from their desk and the rigours of work for the weekend would agree that the beautiful Scottish scenery more than makes up for the occasional shower of rain and brief discomfort caused by the midges.
If you are lucky enough to get a fine day for your trip then you are sure to have a wonderful time exploring the numerous places of interest Scotland has to offer – and if it rains, well that often just adds to the experience!
People moving here are often quickly immersed into the heritage and culture of our country, dating all the way back to the clan system, which was a well established way of life in the Highlands of Scotland for centuries and survived largely intact until the years following the infamous Battle of Culloden, near Inverness, in 1746.
In Gaelic, the word clan means family or children and to this day, in some areas of the country, territorial feelings are still strong and can often be seen through the display of the family tartan.
They say that the best way to a man’s heart is through his stomach and cooking is definitely one of the things we Scots do best.
According to the media it appears we like nothing better than a fish supper or a calorie-laden deep fried Mars bar – a real national treasure, much like our beloved drink, Irn Bru, or Haggis which, contrary to popular belief, is not a wee beastie that roams the hills of our countryside, but rather a Scottish delicacy whose main ingredient is probably best left unmentioned!
On Burns Night, however, we Scots come together to celebrate the life and works of our nation’s famous bard, Robert Burns, with food and drink – and particularly haggis – playing an important role in proceedings.
A favourite occasion with ex-pats, on Burns Night the ‘skirl’ of the pipes can be heard in village halls and hotels across the nation as the haggis is piped in for the feast ahead. Eaten in abundance, accompanied by steaming piles of neeps and tatties – turnips and potatoes – the haggis is the guest of honour as the whisky flows before everyone enjoys a good old fashioned knees-up – Scottish style.
Despite the slightly unappealing description of the haggis, Scotland does in fact have a wealth of fine cuisine to offer new inhabitants, with many of the delicacies home-grown.
From firm favourites like shortbread, porridge and oatcakes, to the freshest and finest salmon, game and wild berries, the country has a great deal to impress the ‘foodie’ including the famous Aberdeen Angus beef which, not only has a strong reputation for quality in Scotland, but is renowned all over the world.
Leaving food behind brings me nicely onto the subject of drink – something close to many Scots’ hearts. However, despite what many people may think, Scottish people do not spend every waking minute in the pub, although it would be fair to say we do like a dram - but only of the finest malt variety of course!
Whisky is one of our country’s most important products and the process of how the amber nectar gets to our glass is absolutely fascinating. A popular attraction with many people when they relocate to Scotland, the whisky trail takes visitors on a fact-finding journey through some of the best distilleries in the world.
The trail is famous for being the only malt whisky trail in the world and guides people through the North-east of Scotland and onwards into picturesque Speyside. The trail travels through some of our country’s most breathtaking countryside while taking in the traditional and distinctive distilleries.
Famous for its castles, glens and beautiful scenery, Scotland weaves together a tapestry of traditional rugged country with the cosmopolitan city lights of our fair cities like Edinburgh, Glasgow and Aberdeen, the latter being renowned as the oil capital of Europe.
Not just a pretty face, Scotland is also home to a “monster” which lurks in the depths of Loch Ness, near Inverness. Over the years many sightings have been made of this glorious green, humped-back beastie, affectionately known as Nessie. Rumour has it that the age-old creature still swims in the deep, dark waters of the loch, surfacing every so often for photos and postcard shots!
Moving on to Scottish sport. Not very good but we try hard, may be an appropriate description!
Despite our national football team not being the best on the pitch, spare a thought for the loyal fans, known as the Tartan Army who, despite disappointing results, turn up to watch their team game after game. Always cheering and with a friendly word for others, the Tartan Army travels to matches both at home and abroad, making lifelong friends along the way and always giving their team something to be truly proud of – spirit, that’s something us Scots definitely have plenty of!
Golf is another popular sport in Scotland, with many foreigners who settle on our shores quickly picking up the game. With more than 550 golf courses open for play, it comes as no surprise to find many a Scottish gentlemen brandishing his club on the 18th hole before sinking a pint or two at the 19th hole.
Among the friendliest folk in the world, a Scot will always help you out, with a smile and a wave – and contrary to popular belief WILL buy a round in the pub!
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