Living and working in Scotland
Scotland's 3 main cities offer a host of benefits to living and working in them. Not only do the cities themselves offer a comprehensive cultural and social life, their proximity to the countryside offers unparalleled opportunities to get away from it all, whether you're looking for peace and quiet or something more active.
Edinburgh
Scotland's capital city is famed as home to the annual International Edinburgh Festival and its Hogmanay celebrations. Yet Edinburgh holds much more than its celebrated castle and unique landscape, that keeps people both visiting and settling here. It is a great place to be 365 days a year, and has been voted several times in the last decade as the best UK city to live in. For many the allure of this city lies in its size and architecture, there is no need to rely on travelling by tube and the daily commute is rarely longer than half an hour, serviced by a good public transport system. In recent years Edinburgh has hosted events such as the 2004 U21 Rugby World Cup, the MTV Awards and Edinburgh Live8.
With such major visitor numbers and residents with a comparatively high disposable income, Edinburgh offers much in the way of restaurants, bars and nightlife that cater for a wide variety of tastes to cater for such a demand. The city is also recognised as a great shopping destination; from designer names such Harvey Nichols and Louis Vuitton right through to Edinburgh's most famous shopping experience, Jenners.
With universities and schools that operate in an educational system which is admired around the world (our very own Prime Minister was educated in Edinburgh) Edinburgh is a significant seat of learning. This adds to the diverse culture, with people travelling from around the world to study in the city.
Aberdeen
Scotland's third largest city is the Oil & Gas capital of Europe and one of the most prosperous cities in the UK with an international and well-travelled population. Diverse and metropolitan, you can enjoy the culture, shopping and nightlife of a major city while being only a stone's throw from some of Scotland's most beautiful countryside. Aberdeen is also 13 times winner of Britain in Bloom, and has miles of golden sandy beach within walking distance form the centre of town.
Boasting 11 golf courses, 26 swimming pools (not to mention the coastline for those brave enough!) 2 ice rinks, Scotland’s largest bowling alley, national football league, rugby and hockey teams and with skiing facilities nearby sports enthusiasts are well catered for. Culturally, Her Majesty's Theatre, Aberdeen Music Hall and the Exhibition and Conference Centre play host to a huge variety of entertainment all year round.
Aberdeen's numerous educational institutions also play a key part of the multi-cultural dynamics of the population and the city has a high percentage of young visitors and residents.
Glasgow
Time magazine recently said of Glasgow, "Brimming with style and culture, Scotland's biggest city is a revelation."
Glasgow, with a population of around 600,000, is Scotland's largest city and is the commercial capital of Scotland. It is the UK's largest retail centre after London and has attracted brands such as Ralf Lauren, Versace and Armani who all have boutiques in the city.
The city of Glasgow is attracting visitors and people relocating in ever increasing numbers and those that do come find its blend of internationally acclaimed museums and galleries, stunning architecture, vibrant nightlife, fabulous shopping and superlative wining and dining irresistible.
The city houses many wonderful municipal art galleries and museums, first class sports and leisure facilities; excellent theatres; an array of restaurants, pubs and clubs; and beautiful parks. Spectacular countryside and coastal views are within easy reach and the city is only 42 miles from Scotland's capital city of Edinburgh. It has 2 busy international airports with direct flights to Europe and International destinations and the domestic transport network allows easy access to other parts of Scotland.
