anyone live in the highlands?

[thegubner]

I'm wanting a job on a fishing boat, although I've never crewed a fishing vessel I do have some experience as crew on work boats. I have all the mandatory certificates to work as crew on fishing boats plus some extras but that's not what I need to know about really although any first hand info on working a boat up there would be nice to hear.

What I really want to know about is living, although I know the highlands are a massive area I'm interested to know what life is like in fishing areas for bringing up a family etc, two kids, a boy of two and a girl of six. Education? Attitudes towards the English? Scumbags or nice people generally etc?

Anyone in the know?

[scorps]

I can tell you that the pay for the fishing industry is pretty good but thats Peterhead/Fraserburgh etc. Cost of living up here is horrendous second to London I believe but it may be less the further north you go. You will get some slating for being English but its sporadic, Id say the quality of life for children is a lot better up here, I can ask some of my pals up in the isles about it for you.
Think cost of livng further up is not too bad either.
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[thegubner]

Thanks for that, don't mind banter and ribbing but don't want full on abuse for the little 'uns and missus' sakes. As for cost of living we're in an expensive fishing village on a commuter line to London at the mo so its pretty dear already.

We're after quality of life, nicer surroundings, peace and quiet etc. Not really got a specific area in mind although peterhead and fraserburgh had sprung to mind as well as mallaig but other than those three have no ideas.

[scorps]

just spoken to a mate further norht who tells me the industry isnt doing very well at the minute and crews are pretty much full for what there is with people waiting. No idea what the islans will be like but theres more English on them than locals
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[scorps]

there is a lot of work in the North East of Scotland but the housing is horrendously high and a lot of people like me and my other half commute from the shires, have a look at Indeed Jobs and the various areas, Id certainly say that the life up here if you are working is really good for families,
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[thegubner]

Thanks very much for that, most appreciated. Will try and get some numbers of fishing companies and have a ring round to see if its worth a visit I think.

[scorps]

good luck,
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[Oldie]

There's no issue about where you come from. None.

Your family would love living in Scotland but you might not be used to the sea conditions (but maybe you are?).

Try it if you get a chance

[thegubner]

Used to being on boats in slightly sloppy conditions but fuck all like it gets up there, not even close.

[stickybackbob]

Mate of mine just bought a farm in the Orkneys. He and family appear to love it and knowing my mate's love of keeping his hands on his dosh, it won't be expensive to live up there.

He has two kids, both primary age at the moment so they're schooled on the island. When high school beckons, they get shipped off to the main island for the week.

Not been up myself but looking forward to a 12 hour ride to get from home to Wick for the ferry in summer

[Islander]

[gixerladsw]

I'm a Scot and lived just outside Dundee all my life till I was 34 odd.

Cant tell you fuck all about fishing I am afraid mate but as for living in Scotland. Its the same as England, Depends where your live, you could be unlucky and end up living next door to a bunch of cunts just as you could here but on the whole Scots are a friendly decent lot. here is a strong element of banter but if you are asking this on BCF then its going to be nothing you take offence to.

There is not a general hate the English attitude and people are taken as they are. It is just that the press like to make something more of the them and us bollox and they will always find some gobby twat to interview to back that streotype up.

Generally, its a slightly steadier pace but overall it aint any cheaper near the oil and fishing.

If you want a proper natter about life up norf am happy to. or help with any info.
I dont think you would regret it. The old dear moved up from London 50 years ago and is still there happily.

[scorps]

ive not met anyone whos regretted moving up here
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[TheCatSatOnTh...]

[Rigga]

What's the weather like up there? Is it grim all year round?
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[gixerladsw]

[Islander]

[scorps]

[thegubner]

Sod it, looking at rental prices and available property Norfolk seems a better more plausible bet. Hardcore I know!

[Islander]

[scorps]

oh dear, Norfolk eh, oh well
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[kawakid]

[TheCatSatOnTh...]

[Rogerborg]

High vehicle fuel prices. Heating oil if you're out in the sticks. Delivery surcharges. High grocery prices unless you have a big name supermarket that's yet to kill off the Local Shop. Long (potentially very long) trips to the nearest police-fire-ambulance-hospitals. Little choice in local tradesmen. High property prices if you want to live anywhere that White Settlers favour.

Schools are random. You may find your kids in undersized classes at a well funded Local School for Local Kids, or having to schlep miles to the nearest Portacabin Academy.

Probably wouldn't do it, except as a retiree waiting patiently for the comforting bony hand of death. Which is why so many Highland and Island communities are composed of said coffin dodgers.
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