View Full Version : A message to the Scottish Mafia!!
Gordon Steadman
07-12-2016, 10:05
Right you lot North of Hadrian's Wall......
....I speak as someone who considers anyone born north of the Thames as foreign but I suppose I had better rein in my usual prejudice as I'm considering moving some way north of here. I managed to talk to Alan and Shirley (Firebottle and better half) so there is hope.
Ronnie and I have been living here for ten years now and so for both of us, it has been the longest stay in one place we have ever managed, together or apart. Itchy feet syndrome is rearing its ugly head. We have been looking at the Highlands and Islands. I like the idea of the Islands but Ronnie wants to be slightly less remote as she actually enjoys talking to people!!
We were talking to a guy who comes from Harris in the Hebrides and he told us not to do it as, 'cos we are sassenachs, we would never be accepted on the Islands!! I moved from London to a Suffolk village and it took three years before we really became an accepted part of the community. In France it took two weeks.
We are not the typical cash waving southerners that legend has it exist but quite normal poor people who intend to live off the land to feed ourselves as we do here. We keep animals for food and are quite in tune with country living. Its quite probable that a croft with a couple of acres would suit. I really want to be near the sea and be able to look out over islands as I slip into my dotage - not that far off now.
So, are you lot really as mean and nasty as suggested or do you welcome strangers (very strange probably) into your midst? Any advice to make the transition to talking proper and fitting into the community is quite welcome:). Any suggestions of good areas to look at would be good too. As we are talking crofts possibly, obviously we are not thinking of mansions or castles.
We have to finish the house here in order to sell it so either next year or the year after is the probable timing. Strange as it may seem, it gets much colder here in the winter than Scotland but the summers are cooler so more suited to our ageing bodies. I like rain and stuff so that's no problem and Ronnie is a proper land girl so is used to it.
walpurgis
07-12-2016, 10:15
Not north of the border, but I'd suggest Shropshire or Herefordshire. Lovely scenery and there are areas that retain a good degree of country isolation and quietness.
Some parts of highlands n islands can be a bit like that. They were inundated by folk who didnt want to be part of comunity i guess and then some bad eggs produced an attitude of intolorance in some places... even lowland Scots get it so its not a race thing.lol.
To cold in the highlands anyways. Scottish borders is nice, as is the English side. You get a bit of the wild and free without the -30c and months of seeing no one lol.
Perth is as far up as i,d want to go, and maybe up the East coast where its a bit milder. Cumbria is also a nice place id like to live.
If islands then Skye is best bet, or Arran
Ali Tait
07-12-2016, 10:38
You will find a welcome pretty much anywhere you go up here Gordon. Scots in general are very welcoming to strangers despite what some stereotyping would have you believe.
The West Coast is beautiful, as long as you can stomach the midgies!
As a workmate of a friend of mine, who is from Harris, commented when my mate was complaining about how bad the midgies were that day- "Och, this is nothing, on Harris I once rode my pushbike into a cloud of midgies, and when I came out the other side, there was no rubber left on my tyres" :-)
Gordon Steadman
07-12-2016, 10:53
You will find a welcome pretty much anywhere you go up here Gordon. Scots in general are very welcoming to strangers despite what some stereotyping would have you believe.
The West Coast is beautiful, as long as you can stomach the midgies!
As a workmate of a friend of mine, who is from Harris, commented when my mate was complaining about how bad the midgies were that day- "Och, this is nothing, on Harris I once rode my pushbike into a cloud of midgies, and when I came out the other side, there was no rubber left on my tyres" :-)
I'll swap you the midges for the frelons (Asiatic wasps) any day. They killed our French neighbour's brother when he looked at them kind of funny!! It would take a few midge bites to achieve that.
Anyway, things tend to take one bite of me and then keel over. They like Ronnie though:lol:
Gordon Steadman
07-12-2016, 10:59
Some parts of highlands n islands can be a bit like that. They were inundated by folk who didnt want to be part of comunity i guess and then some bad eggs produced an attitude of intolorance in some places... even lowland Scots get it so its not a race thing.lol.
To cold in the highlands anyways. Scottish borders is nice, as is the English side. You get a bit of the wild and free without the -30c and months of seeing no one lol.
Perth is as far up as i,d want to go, and maybe up the East coast where its a bit milder. Cumbria is also a nice place id like to live.
If islands then Skye is best bet, or Arran
I think you might be thinking of too many naughts after the numbers. We could probably afford a small fishing boat on Skye !!!
brian2957
07-12-2016, 11:17
Aye we're quite a welcoming lot up here Gordon . Indeed there are a lot of English people already live in Scotland and I've very rarely seen them having problems . As Ali says the west coast is lovely and I also have a soft spot for places like St Andrews .
Judging by your preferences I would stay away from the Central belt of Scotland as that's where a large proportion of Scotlands population lives ..
Good luck with finding something suitable and '' lang may yer lum reek ''
I think you might be thinking of too many naughts after the numbers. We could probably afford a small fishing boat on Skye !!!
Ayrshire and Stirling used to be cheaper than most price to earnings wise. Obviously urban being cheaper than rural. Some nice spots down Ayr way. Tbh there is nowhere youd want to live that is cheap as such now. Its a good country to live in though
rmcin626
07-12-2016, 13:34
As someone who works for the Ferry company that provides a service to the islands on the west coast, I should be able assist with your search. Harris is lovely but the weather can be fierce during the winter months. Arran, Islay, Mull or Skye have many English residents now living there but the houses do not come cheap and not sure about the availability of crofts.
Travel to and from the islands is now much cheaper but the cost of living is always higher than the mainland.
Gordon Steadman
07-12-2016, 14:12
As someone who works for the Ferry company that provides a service to the islands on the west coast, I should be able assist with your search. Harris is lovely but the weather can be fierce during the winter months. Arran, Islay, Mull or Skye have many English residents now living there but the houses do not come cheap and not sure about the availability of crofts.
Travel to and from the islands is now much cheaper but the cost of living is always higher than the mainland.
Hi Robin,
Thanks for the reply. We've been looking at what we can afford and there do seem to be a few that are suitable. Obviously, the situation could change over the next year or eighteen months. We are very reliant on the exchange rate so as far as we are concerned, the Pound can sink to the depths against the Euro:eyebrows:
If Scotland joins the Euro we won't be so happy!!
Weather doesn't bother us. Down here, it's very open and we get fierce winds and driving rain and temperatures that are colder than Scotland during the winter. We've been watching the weather reports and wishing we were in the islands now so we could get the thermals off:lol:
We may well be in touch near the time. Finding a place will be difficult with such a long journey to make. Our move will depend on the sale of this place and that can take a long time here. We may just sell up, store everything with Ronnie's brother in the UK and then rent for a bit whilst we search. No hurry but once we make our minds up to do it, we wan't it now!! Typical kids (69 and 64 year old kids)
rmcin626
07-12-2016, 14:40
Hi Robin,
Thanks for the reply. We've been looking at what we can afford and there do seem to be a few that are suitable. Obviously, the situation could change over the next year or eighteen months. We are very reliant on the exchange rate so as far as we are concerned, the Pound can sink to the depths against the Euro:eyebrows:
If Scotland joins the Euro we won't be so happy!!
Weather doesn't bother us. Down here, it's very open and we get fierce winds and driving rain and temperatures that are colder than Scotland during the winter. We've been watching the weather reports and wishing we were in the islands now so we could get the thermals off:lol:
We may well be in touch near the time. Finding a place will be difficult with such a long journey to make. Our move will depend on the sale of this place and that can take a long time here. We may just sell up, store everything with Ronnie's brother in the UK and then rent for a bit whilst we search. No hurry but once we make our minds up to do it, we wan't it now!! Typical kids (69 and 64 year old kids)
The weather has been great the last couple of weeks, a good age to start a new adventure.
Hi Gordon,
We were talking to a guy who comes from Harris in the Hebrides and he told us not to do it as, 'cos we are sassenachs, we would never be accepted on the Islands!! I moved from London to a Suffolk village and it took three years before we really became an accepted part of the community. In France it took two weeks.
I'd say it all depends on how fickle the locals are and what their mindset is in relation to 'outsiders'. In my experience, the latter is rather different on the islands, to how it is in the mainland, as small (somewhat isolated) communities tend to be more cliquey.
Realistically too, you may have to work a little harder to be accepted because you're English (as the locals may have established preconceptions you need to break down), but it's nothing that can't be overcome if you're willing to make it work. My advice, just like it would be if you were moving anywhere else, is to respect how 'things are' and local traditions, and fit in with that as best you can.
Essentially, blend in as much as possible with the existing community and don't 'make waves' or do anything that is likely to be deeply unpopular. Remember that with any community you wish to join and socialise/interact with, the key is for YOU to to fit in with *them*, not the opposite. They're not there to change to suit you. Scottish people, though, are inherently open and friendly.
Also, always remember that you're the 'newbies', tread gently on that basis and be ever-willing, within reason, to adjust your lifestyle/outlook in order to make the transition to your new abode as smooth as possible. You don't want to stick out like a sore thumb!
Amusingly, that's pretty much the advice we give folks when joining AoS... ;)
Anyway, do all that and just be yourselves, and you'll be fine. One other thing I'd say is when you arrive, go along to the local pub, ASAP, and introduce yourself to the landlord and the locals there, and let them get to know you and what you're about, as that tends to be the hub of the local community, and establish a good rapport with them. Also, do the same in the local shops. Essentially, be seen as a 'stranger' for the shortest time possible.
That will gain you their respect [essentially, it's ALL about gaining mutual respect and not generating any form of resentment], and with their respect you'll be able to settle in quickly, and successfully integrate into the island community. If you do go for it, I wish Ronnie and you all the best :)
I like rain and stuff
So do Del and I... Rain is natural, and a vital part of maintaining life as we know it!
We also find rainy days rather 'moody' and atmospheric, and in many ways it makes the surrounding landscape more interesting to look at and enjoy than on bright sunny days. For that reason, we love the different seasons and the various joys that they bring, here in the UK.
Only the dull and deeply unadventurous want sunny weather and blue skies every day of the week - and you'll certainly not get that on the Scottish islands! :D
Marco.
Spectral Morn
07-12-2016, 20:33
I love Scotland, and the people.
For me its Stirling over to Perth and Dundee I would look at. Yes the highlands are beautiful as are the Islands but the Scottish winter takes no prisoners, and even the route I suggest has had it bad.
Must say I am recently thinking of Scotland too....
In my view, you should seriously think about doing that, Neil, as I think you'd be very happy there. Might get to see you more, too! ;)
As an aside, one of my favourite places is the Isle of Skye, and for outright 'the land that time forgot' remote gorgeousness, Orkney :)
Marco.
Spectral Morn
07-12-2016, 21:32
In my view, you should seriously think about doing that, Neil, as I think you'd be very happy there. Might get to see you more, too! ;)
As an aside, one of my favourite places is the Isle of Skye, and for outright 'the land that time forgot' remote gorgeousness, Orkney :)
Marco.
At the minute its just thinking, maybe wishful thinking, grass greener typed thoughts.
I love Scotland, and the people.
For me its Stirling over to Perth and Dundee I would look at. Yes the highlands are beautiful as are the Islands but the Scottish winter takes no prisoners, and even the route I suggest has had it bad.
Must say I am recently thinking of Scotland too....
Had a few days at Lake Monteith a few years ago. Lovely spot and scenery to die for. A little off the beaten path but not too far from stirling. Great holiday cabins on the lakeside.
Spectral Morn
07-12-2016, 22:14
Had a few days at Lake Monteith a few years ago. Lovely spot and scenery to die for. A little off the beaten path but not too far from stirling. Great holiday cabins on the lakeside.
Stayed there Grant, very nice. Love that part of the world.
Also had an encounter with a big cat not far from there, very scary.
An MOD police man filmed this one near Helensburgh O7356E91Q0w
Had a few days at Lake Monteith a few years ago. Lovely spot and scenery to die for. A little off the beaten path but not too far from stirling. Great holiday cabins on the lakeside.
Beautiful place, was there a couple of years ago
http://i562.photobucket.com/albums/ss68/Lodger56/P1040311_zps7cb07048.jpg
Pretty similar to where I was
http://imageshack.com/a/img910/4375/rPwZLm.jpg
Stayed there Grant, very nice. Love that part of the world.
Also had an encounter with a big cat not far from there, very scary.
An MOD police man filmed this one near Helensburgh O7356E91Q0w
Sure aint no dog thats for sure. Looks about size of a panther.
Top tip: If you see the locals building a big figure out of wicker, stay indoors for a few days.
Top tip: If you see the locals building a big figure out of wicker, stay indoors for a few days.
Thats the druids that do that....:)
Top tip: If you see the locals building a big figure out of wicker, stay indoors for a few days.
They'll still get you in the end... ;)
Marco.
They'll still get you in the end... ;)
Marco.
Indeed. Best to stick with civilisation, really.
I just remembered that you asked me for info via pm and I've forgotten to reply doh!
I can't give much info about Harris as we only holiday there and ech time it's been sunny, even on the day we went to St Kilda it was t-shirt weather so we have a kind of tainted view of the Isles weather wise.
Won't matter where you go, people are always wary of outsiders, local saying here is... And it's no doubt used elsewhere too...
"It takes a Lang spoon tae sup wi a Fifer" and being and outsider to Fife I can fully appreciate its meaning, and I'm Scottish lol
I just remembered that you asked me for info via pm and I've forgotten to reply doh!
I can't give much info about Harris as we only holiday there and ech time it's been sunny, even on the day we went to St Kilda it was t-shirt weather so we have a kind of tainted view of the Isles weather wise.
Won't matter where you go, people are always wary of outsiders, local saying here is... And it's no doubt used elsewhere too...
"It takes a Lang spoon tae sup wi a Fifer" and being and outsider to Fife I can fully appreciate its meaning, and I'm Scottish lol
mum and her mum came frae Fife, before moving up to Aberdeen, and their parents were from Skye. Clan Grant lol
mum and her mum came frae Fife, before moving up to Aberdeen, and their parents were from Skye. Clan Grant lol
Jeez we're related, my Grandad was a Grant from Banffshire lol
Alright, banff.. yes its a nice spot, and I used to stay overnight there quite often when I used to do the great north sign run for a company.
Any views on what I wrote earlier, Gordon? :)
Marco.
Gordon Steadman
08-12-2016, 08:49
Any views on what I wrote earlier, Gordon? :)
Marco.
You have written several things:eyebrows:
I assume about fitting in. Just common sense. When in Rome is one of the most sensible expressions ever uttered. There are a few people around who could do with that lesson in the modern world.
brian2957
08-12-2016, 08:56
I assume about fitting in. Just common sense. When in Rome is one of the most sensible expressions ever uttered. There are a few people around who could do with that lesson in the modern world.
Agreed on both counts Gordon :)
Gordon Steadman
08-12-2016, 08:57
Sure aint no dog thats for sure. Looks about size of a panther.
Although it looks sort of catlike it walks like a dog. Apart from anything else, a cat would skulk along the hedgerow, dogs, trusting (ie stupid) souls that they are just walk happily out in the open.
You have written several things:eyebrows:
I assume about fitting in. Just common sense. When in Rome is one of the most sensible expressions ever uttered. There are a few people around who could do with that lesson in the modern world.
Lol - I was of course referring specifically to post #12.
In terms of the last bit, hear, hear!! Especially those who go somewhere new and expect the 'locals' to change their ways, or sign up to their 'world view' to suit them! Incidentally, that applies to on-line communities (such as here) as much as it does to ones in real life.
Marco.
https://youtu.be/xeFyD-JYWD0
Its a Scottish Panther. Its Gallus
Beautiful place, was there a couple of years ago
http://i562.photobucket.com/albums/ss68/Lodger56/P1040311_zps7cb07048.jpg
Stunning... Yes I know it well. Used to go there regularly when I lived in Glasgow. You've also got Loch Lomond and the Trossachs, just outside of Glasgow:
http://imagizer.imageshack.us/v2/xq90/923/yg20KL.jpg (https://imageshack.com/i/pnyg20KLj) http://imagizer.imageshack.us/v2/xq90/922/QIQMo5.jpg (https://imageshack.com/i/pmQIQMo5j)
And some of my other favourite places, a little further up, the Falls of Dochart, on Loch Tay:
http://imagizer.imageshack.us/v2/xq90/922/iqoLqN.jpg (https://imageshack.com/i/pmiqoLqNj)
And the breathtakingly beautiful St Fillans, on Loch Earn:
http://imagizer.imageshack.us/v2/xq90/922/Y84jsd.jpg (https://imageshack.com/i/pmY84jsdj)
...where one of our favourite hotels resides, with a restaurant that produces seafood dishes to die for: http://www.thefourseasonshotel.co.uk/?utm_source=google&utm_medium=local&utm_campaign=Google+Local
I would urge anyone planning to visit that area, who loves eating gourmet food in luxurious surroundings, with one of the best views from a restaurant in the UK, to go there. It's unbelievably good! :cool:
Marco.
https://youtu.be/xeFyD-JYWD0
Its a Scottish Panther. Its Gallus
I prefer this:
NjukQapSD0k
Marco.
Billy at his best there. He is mad as a hatter on extra mercury tablets :eyebrows: some folk dont get him alas. My mum hated him, yet my dad thought him a genius
Indeed, and for me, that was his best ever performance, and just pure genius :)
In terms of the above scenery, ye can keep yer London and 'darn sarf', eh? They don't know what REAL life is! ;)
Marco.
Btw, on the subject of funny things Scottish, this series is about the funniest thing I've ever seen (and it's not really meant to be funny). Gentlemen, I give you 'Glasgow Nutters versus Loan Sharks'...
Part 1:
C0NDOkSvCM0
Part 2:
L4xXRhnkROo
If you ever wanted a definitive, visual description of a 'total roaster', they are it!! Their antics and general mentality is hilarious :lol:
Marco.
Gordon Steadman
08-12-2016, 10:40
Not quite the best bit of that audience...... that was the incontinence knickers bit:lol:
Sadly there are plenty of folk like that around. What can one say except......... i better not lol
Yes it's amazing that there are folk who actually live like that in this day and age. It's another world! :eek:
Bingo-Boy was fuckin' hilarious!! :lol:
Marco.
archiesdad
08-12-2016, 21:56
My suggestion would be a "wee holiday" up here to get a feel for the place, find how remote you want to be or where you want be near, google earth is ok but not the real thing and it won't let you meet any locals.
"a lang spoon to sup wi' a fifer"? at a pit I worked in the sign over the shaft entrance said "Don't F*** wi' the Fifers". But we're nice really, saying that ma dad was fae Nairn.
Canetoad
10-12-2016, 06:37
I lived there for 12 years and found the Scottish nothing less than extremely friendly. But, then again, you are English! ;)
It's become part of me. I went to the dentist last week to get fitted for a new crown. The dentist asked if my tooth was hurting and I replied without thinking, "A wee bit". My son's German, has a Scottish accent and now lives in Australia. His time in Scotland is a huge part of who he is!
If Scotland leaves the UK I'll be applying for a passport... :)
Gordon Steadman
10-12-2016, 07:31
My suggestion would be a "wee holiday" up here to get a feel for the place, find how remote you want to be or where you want be near, google earth is ok but not the real thing and it won't let you meet any locals.
"a lang spoon to sup wi' a fifer"? at a pit I worked in the sign over the shaft entrance said "Don't F*** wi' the Fifers". But we're nice really, saying that ma dad was fae Nairn.
I spent every holiday for ten years in Scotland. Just me, the car and a tent. I enjoyed the pubs, the scenery, the people and....the midges!! All the best camping spots were by the side of rivers. I could never understand why they were empty:lol:
Ronnie and I spent a holiday on Mull when we first met. I just love the feel of the place and the calm that looking out over the sea and islands brings. I know that holidaying and living in a place are two different things but we did the same here in France and it's been great.
Just listened to the Glasgow/loan shark clips and I could be in trouble. My poor hearing gives me problems understanding French people but at least the English I speak and French have a few similarities in sound:D
Ali Tait
10-12-2016, 07:36
I lived there for 12 years and found the Scottish nothing less than extremely friendly. But, then again, you are English! ;)
It's become part of me. I went to the dentist last week to get fitted for a new crown. The dentist asked if my tooth was hurting and I replied without thinking, "A wee bit". My son's German, has a Scottish accent and now lives in Australia. His time in Scotland is a huge part of who he is!
If Scotland leaves the UK I'll be applying for a passport... :)
We'll let you in Bernie! :-)
I Just listened to the Glasgow/loan shark clips and I could be in trouble. My poor hearing gives me problems understanding French people but at least the English I speak and French have a few similarities in sound:D
Lol... What did you think of it? I loved the bit where the guy with the shirt and tie shot the bloke kidding on he was a loan shark, and when he laughed and said that he liked it! And his wife was rather 'interesting' too, wasn't she? :D
Btw, the islanders sound NOTHING like that lot. That's pure Glasgow 'ned slang', and fairly unique to the area. The accent in the islands is much softer/less guttural and more 'tuneful'.
Marco.
rmcin626
10-12-2016, 09:10
Lol... What did you think of it? I loved the bit where the guy with the shirt and tie shot the bloke kidding on he was a loan shark, and when he laughed and said that he liked it! And his wife was rather 'interesting' too, wasn't she? :D
Btw, the islanders sound NOTHING like that lot. That's pure Glasgow 'ned slang', and fairly unique to the area. The accent in the islands is much softer/less guttural and more 'tuneful'.
Marco.
Not too mention a lot of islanders are English, especially somewhere like Arran.
Gordon Steadman
10-12-2016, 09:58
Lol... What did you think of it? I loved the bit where the guy with the shirt and tie shot the bloke kidding on he was a loan shark, and when he laughed and said that he liked it! And his wife was rather 'interesting' too, wasn't she? :D
Btw, the islanders sound NOTHING like that lot. That's pure Glasgow 'scumbag slang', and fairly unique to the area. The accent in the islands is much softer/less guttural and more 'tuneful'.
Marco.
I rather suspect that a lot of English people see the Scots as a cross between them and Kenneth McKellar!!
I probably understood more of what they were saying than I did of the people themselves! I hope that, as you suggest, they are not typical of what we might encounter :-)
By the way, over the last week, I have started having trouble posting here. Strangely, the space bar on the keyboard no longer works. Only on this site. I have to compose on a text editor and then copy and paste in!
I rather suspect that a lot of English people see the Scots as a cross between them and Kenneth McKellar!!
I probably understood more of what they were saying than I did of the people themselves! I hope that, as you suggest, they are not typical of what we might encounter :-)
Lol... In terms of the last bit, no chance. Think more of this:
EHXyZwhB-Ic
Marco.
P.S Regarding your technical issue, report it in Critics Corner and I'll ask Nick to look into it.
brian2957
10-12-2016, 11:53
Hah! I remember that :lol:
Ah , high road and big morag
Not north of the border, but I'd suggest Shropshire or Herefordshire. Lovely scenery and there are areas that retain a good degree of country isolation and quietness.
Agree the Welsh Marches are still wild, beautiful and mostly empty of people. No islands to gaze at but plenty of brooding hills and mountains.
Agree the Welsh Marches are still wild, beautiful and mostly empty of people. No islands to gaze at but plenty of brooding hills and mountains.
That pretty accurately describes what it's like 10 mins from Wrexham, in somewhere like Llandegla:
http://imagizer.imageshack.us/v2/xq90/921/zySSiZ.jpg (https://imageshack.com/i/plzySSiZj)
I can get to rural Shropshire, where you speak of, in about half and hour, or beautiful sandy beaches in Llandudno in roughly the same amount of time, or the wilds of Snowdonia in less than an hour... Then for cities, Chester is only 20 mins away, Liverpool 35 mins and Manchester 45 mins.
That's why I love living where I do: it's handy for getting to lots of places :cool:
I simply couldn't function in somewhere filled with folk, noise and stress, and miles from anywhere 'real'! :nono:
Marco.
Bit grotty where I live but 30 minutes walk from my house and I am in beautiful unspoilt countryside. You don't have to go all the way to Scotland to find it.
walpurgis
10-12-2016, 13:03
I simply couldn't function in somewhere filled with folk, noise and stress, and miles from anywhere 'real'! :nono:
Marco.
Tell me about it mate. :rolleyes:
...but 30 minutes walk from my house and I am in beautiful unspoilt countryside.
Aye, 30 minutes walk at 30mph! ;)
Marco.
Aye, 30 minutes walk at 30mph! ;)
Marco.
You know where that restaurant is that you went to at NEBO? Ten minutes walk from there and you are out in the bushes.
Yeah. that's cool, but I'm talking about places where as far as the eye can see, all you can see are hills, streams and mountains; i.e. it is truly remote and *completely* unspoiled by modernity...
The problem with where you're talking about is, no matter how many bushes there are beside you, you'll still be able to see some of Stoke! :eyebrows:;)
Also, where I'm talking about, the roads are virtually empty, so you can often drive for miles without seeing another soul and really enjoy the whole driving experience, especially in a fun car! :hotrod:
Marco.
brian2957
10-12-2016, 13:18
Ah , high road and big morag
And Doooogal
Hah! I remember that :lol:
My old dear used to watch it all the time. It's a pretty accurate reflection of life in Orkney (although the programme wasn't set there), when I visited in 1997...
Marco.
And Doooogal
Marco tried oot fir tat pirt mon, but yon italyin blood wont stracht fir yon tups, an scarred em tae deeth soanhedid :eyebrows:
What's that - Rabbie Burns lingo? :D
Marco.
Lol - it's certainly nothing I've heard in or around the streets of Glasgow...
That's chunter for choochters! :D
Marco.
Lol
https://youtu.be/hlWR96LMyHY
archiesdad
10-12-2016, 17:26
Marco tried out for that part my friend, but that Italian blood went straight for the sheep, and he scared them to death that's for sure.
My best guess, sounds kind off East Fifeish lingo?
I like the idea of the Islands but Ronnie wants to be slightly less remote as she actually enjoys talking to people!!
We were talking to a guy who comes from Harris in the Hebrides and he told us not to do it as, 'cos we are sassenachs, we would never be accepted on the Islands!!
who intend to live off the land to feed ourselves as we do here.
We keep animals for food and are quite in tune with country living. Its quite probable that a croft with a couple of acres would suit. I really want to be near the sea and be able to look out over islands
So, are you lot really as mean and nasty as suggested or do you welcome strangers.
Any suggestions of good areas to look at would be good too. As we are talking crofts possibly, obviously we are not thinking of mansions or castles.
You could do a lot worse in this world than move to Scotland. go for it.
Ive lived half of my life in England now, but I am also a Fifer (born Dunfermline) , brought up in Perthshire, who lived in Banff for a few years, as well as Aberdeen and Edinburgh.
My wife is English , with a posh Home Counties accent. We have never had any anti English stuff towards us. Banter, Yes. Racism, No...... You will be made welcome, especially if
you make an effort to integrate.
crofting by its nature tends to be fairly isolated, and not too close to large towns/cities. The West coast is the obvious choice for this lifestyle.
Another area to consider is Perthshire. Lots of remote type areas here for that kind of lifestyle, but you wouldnt be so close to the sea.
My best tip would be Fife. Particular the east end of the peninsula. It is actually called the "East Neuk" of Fife.
Lots of really lovely little fishing villages around here. So from about Lundin Links eastwards towards Crail.
Not so much Crofting, but there will be that kind of lifestyle inland a little bit. 20 minutes ish from St Andrews and 1 hour ish to Edinburgh ( road or rail ).
The only possible problem is that prices here are pretty high, because it is so lovely and because of the proximity to St Andrews, where prices are VERY high.
Cead Mile Failte
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