I want to move to Scotland, but I can't make up my mind between Glasgow and Edinburgh.
I have never been in Scotland before, so I need some serious advise!
Music is my main interest in life, so this is something to have in mind when deciding. I can play a lot of Irish music, but I'm really interested in Scottish music at the moment.
I would also like to know how is the job situation around there now, I have to start from zero, find a day job and all that, so this is a tough decision. I would do any type of work to start with.
I am biased cos I live in Glasgow. I reckon that if you are happy to do any kind of work, then you should be able to pick up something pretty quickly in either city. There are plenty shops etc about with notices in the window needing staff. Pubs and things as well are always looking. Music wise, both cities are pretty busy. There are sessions on almost every night in Glasgow and there is a good mix between Irish and Scottish music, so you can pretty much pick what you feel like. Edinburgh also has loads of sessions - have a look at the session guide here for more info. I reckon you woul dbe better trying to visit both cities before making up your mind, because they both have a very different feel to them and it's hard to explain that in words without experienceing it yourself. Where are you living now anyway?
I'm intrigued - what makes you want to move there, when by your own admission you don't know enough about the place to choose between one city and another?
Don't misunderstand me, I certainly don't mean to sound negative, or to discourage you because of my ignorance, it just fascinates me what makes you want to do this?
Good luck with it anyway - Edinburgh's better on the eyes, but Glasgow is more real.
No question - you should just get yourself a flat above 'Sandy Bell's', on Forest Road, Edinburgh. There's more session history in that wee pub than in any other Pub in Scotland & they still have sessions every night of the week!
They aren't really that far away from each other either--about 50mins by train and an hour by bus. It's too far for "the locals" of either city to travel but I'm sure you don't have that mentality.
You can get a single ticket on the bus for a quid, if you book in advance. So, you can still visit sessions in both cities.
I'm actually biased towards Inverness and the Highlands, although I no longer live there.
Dave, there are plenty parts of Edinburgh which are "real enough" and not necessarily that "easy on the eye" either. Also, there's a few desirable postcodes in Glasgow too.
I'd probably go for Edinburgh, though. There's probably more happening here with traditional and folk music in addition to the session scene, with the exception of Celtic Connections.
Why do I want to move to Scotland? The Music.
I don't want to stay where I am now. The circumstances say that it's time for me to make a move, and if I have to go somewhere, there has to be something interesting for me there, and that's the Scottish music.
The reason a pick Glasgow and Edinburgh is because they are the main cities and therefore there'll be more chances for me to get a job quickly.
I also have a sense of adventure, so not knowing the place doesn't put me off.
In seriousness though, you'd do well to move to either E or G for music. I don't know about Inverness, Dundee or Aberdeen. Ask Bren about Aberdeen. What is your job skillIset? If you can ride a motorbike and read a map you might make good money couriering. But it's dangerous. As someone said above there's barwork, but that's going to limit your available time for sessionning.
" there are plenty parts of Edinburgh which are "real enough" and not necessarily that "easy on the eye" either"
- yes - but they have a mountain in the middle of the city and all those bits are tastefully hidden behind it.
When I worked around Glasgow in the 70's there was an area called Spam Valley - so named because the people there bought their houses rather than renting, and it was the popular view that after paying their mortgages they could only afford to eat Spam. It's so long ago now I can't remember which part of the city it was.
McGregor - if you have a sense of adventure and can't choose between Glasgow and Edinburgh - its easy: live in Cumbernauld!
Somewhere in the grounds of Cumbernauld House you might just find the arse out of my brother-in-law's suit that I was wearing the night we took the short cut over the wall and met the big dog.
The other exciting thing I remember about Glasgow is that they have a railway station that they keep in the basement (is it Queen Street station?). It's so well hidden that when you come out of Central Station, enterprising locals offer to show you the way there in exchange for a bite of your Deep-Fried Mars bar.
Don't forget to wear a Manchester United shirt at all times. And remember that the locals (especially in Glasgow) are really enthralled by a posh English accent.
Aberdeen has lowest unemployment in UK, serious labour shortage, and more trad fiddlers per capita than anywhere I know outside of Shetland. Short on banjo players though.
pop. about 250,000 plus another 100,000 or so within commuting distance.
An unbroken musical tradition so you can get close to the "real thing" (i.e old codgers) although many of the young folk at sessions play Irish tunes off recent CDs just like everywhere else.
Also has SCAT and the Elphinstone Institute if you want to take your trad music more seriously
There's a lot more to Scotland than the Central Belt
It's got a cold wind, though. Mind you, so has Edinburgh.
I agree with Bren about the tradition being very strong up there. It always has been and there's lots of good little festivals in the surrounding towns.
Inverness and The Highlands is much better than it used to be too with the Feis Movement, Courses, Festivals and Sessions.
Also, I don't wish to start a fight but all the best Scottish musicians seem to come from "Up North" these days, although many of them chose to study, work, and/or play tunes in Glasgow or Edinburgh.
Yes, as John says, you can commute from one to the other very easily. I personally prefer Edinburgh simply because it's much more picturesque.
The best hostel to stay in the city is Budget Backpackers: http://www.budgetbackpackers.co.uk It moved to a new building last year, and I believe it's still very clean with excellent facilities. Just two-minute walk from Sandy Bell's!
I once asked a long lost uncle over the phone how things were in bonny Scotland. "Och noo" sez he "the sun does nae get up until ten thirty and it gaes doon at three , and its snowin and blowin in between'. Move to Australia mate!
I'm really glad to see that you recognise we have a lot of dots down under as well as sun. Ptarmigan come on down and pay us a visit. A recent Guardian newspaper survey of English/British tourists apparently rated Perth as the best destination.
Sunshine NAAAAA! I prefer the dreich, miserable arthritis-inducing chill of the Scottish summer, combined with cauld glutinous porridge first thing in the morning - with salt of course!
Who wants all these bloody dots in Australia anyway - better to play by ear!
Where are you moving from McGregor - is it from a hotter climate?
Hey, did you see that guys? Donough called me English/British! I have witnesses! GGGGRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRR!
The 'HIT SQUAD' is on it's way - soon! - Be afraid! - Be VERY afraid!! (when do you leave Kenny?)
Aww Doh! Dat's sweet! I didn't know you cared so much for my welfare!
Aye RonP, ye paint a bonny picture, richt enough! How could anyone resist?
Hey, RonP, don't worry about Donough, he'll be seein' dots in front of his eyes by the time the 'squad' has finished with him!
McGregor - has any of this drivel helped you decide? A hae ma doots!
What I don't understand is, when you say you have never actually been here before? Surely you would come for a good long holiday first to check both cities out before making any decision.
Yes, Thank you very much to all, it's being very helpful!
I will try to visit both places before I make any decision, and Aberdeen sounds good too, so I'll put it on my list as well.
I have lived in Ireland and Scandinavia before, so the cold and bad weather don't really scare me, for me there are more important things than nice weather.
I really appreciate all the suggestions. Thanks a lot!
Ptar
I am quivering in anticipation and maybe Dow was right - you'd probably hate it down here - not enough doom and gloom. Not really the right habitat for a grouse.
And it seems to be you that's seeing all the dots at present.
BTW Kenny will have along walk from Adelaide to Perth but I can assure him that it's better over here than in Adelaide.
How can a McGregor not have been to Edinburgh or Glasgow - two fine British cities. Whoops did I say British - I meant UK.
Ooooooooh Donough! Ganging up on me now eh?, & with Doh, of all people! Thought you had better taste in people!
Before you settle, you must know the reputation of the East & West coast Folk in Scotland, McGregor!
If you visit folk on the West coast they will invite you in & say "You'll have your dinner" as they offer you a big feed.
On the East coast they invite you in & say "you'll hae had yer dinner" & offer you nothing!!
However, although the East coast folk are harder to get to know, once they accept you, you have friends for life.
The West coast folk are all over you like long lost best friends, right from the start, but once you get to know them, they're a shower of Back Stabbing Bas&&rds!!
You have been warned!
Hey, Donough, what do you mean - doom & gloom?
"for me there are more important things than nice weather." - Said McGregor!
You see that Donough!
This man has taste & I'm sure will fit in rightly in Scotia, wherever he decides to 'lay his hat'!
BTW Kenny may only have little legs, but boy can he move them quickly, when he wants to!
Especially when they shout 'Last Orders'!!
Mind you, what the f**k is he going to drink in OZ?
I've heard your, so called, 'amber necter' is PURE P*SH!!
Glasgow's having a bit of renaissance music-wise. Having sadly lost most of our older musicians over the last few years, now there's loads and loads of young players coming out from Ceoltas and the RSAMD. Lots of lively sessions. However I find Edinburgh more eclectic - more Scottish music. Glasgow still mainly Irish music with a few exceptions.
Good luck and I look forward to meeting you at a session somewhere in Scotland!
Hey Ron, why would Jeremy's Autocorrect be interested in "PISH"? It is after all, just Parliamo Glaswegian Rhyming Slang for "FISH" - ISN'T IT? .......................
Hey, saying Glasgow has the RSAMD is like saying an '..ology' is a science!
Not being a drinker - any more - if it was me, I'd live about half way between the two cities.
But then that advice is probably not much use to you, for, being a McGregor, you will probably have to get 'Totally Rat "Arsed" each time you hit a Pub!
Thanks Sharon.
If I meet a Sharon that plays the flute I will ask if it is you.
But it's still going to take me a few months before I move, for I have to organise myself, think a bit, and save some money.
I'm quite excited about this.
Moving to Scotland
Moving to Scotland
Hi guys,
I want to move to Scotland, but I can't make up my mind between Glasgow and Edinburgh.
I have never been in Scotland before, so I need some serious advise!
Music is my main interest in life, so this is something to have in mind when deciding. I can play a lot of Irish music, but I'm really interested in Scottish music at the moment.
I would also like to know how is the job situation around there now, I have to start from zero, find a day job and all that, so this is a tough decision. I would do any type of work to start with.
Please, I need some advise!
Thanks lads.
# Posted on September 21st 2005 by Beheader
Re: Moving to Scotland
I am biased cos I live in Glasgow. I reckon that if you are happy to do any kind of work, then you should be able to pick up something pretty quickly in either city. There are plenty shops etc about with notices in the window needing staff. Pubs and things as well are always looking. Music wise, both cities are pretty busy. There are sessions on almost every night in Glasgow and there is a good mix between Irish and Scottish music, so you can pretty much pick what you feel like. Edinburgh also has loads of sessions - have a look at the session guide here for more info. I reckon you woul dbe better trying to visit both cities before making up your mind, because they both have a very different feel to them and it's hard to explain that in words without experienceing it yourself. Where are you living now anyway?
# Posted on September 21st 2005 by Fi
Re: Moving to Scotland
Been there, done that, got the emotional scars.
I'm intrigued - what makes you want to move there, when by your own admission you don't know enough about the place to choose between one city and another?
Don't misunderstand me, I certainly don't mean to sound negative, or to discourage you because of my ignorance, it just fascinates me what makes you want to do this?
Good luck with it anyway - Edinburgh's better on the eyes, but Glasgow is more real.
Dave
# Posted on September 21st 2005 by showaddydadito
Re: Moving to Scotland
No question - you should just get yourself a flat above 'Sandy Bell's', on Forest Road, Edinburgh. There's more session history in that wee pub than in any other Pub in Scotland & they still have sessions every night of the week!
# Posted on September 21st 2005 by Ptarmigan
Re: Moving to Scotland
They aren't really that far away from each other either--about 50mins by train and an hour by bus. It's too far for "the locals" of either city to travel but I'm sure you don't have that mentality.
You can get a single ticket on the bus for a quid, if you book in advance. So, you can still visit sessions in both cities.
I'm actually biased towards Inverness and the Highlands, although I no longer live there.
# Posted on September 21st 2005 by Johannes J
Re: Moving to Scotland
Inverness? Wheeesht! You'll only confuse the laddie!
# Posted on September 21st 2005 by Ptarmigan
Re: Moving to Scotland
Dave, there are plenty parts of Edinburgh which are "real enough" and not necessarily that "easy on the eye" either. Also, there's a few desirable postcodes in Glasgow too.
I'd probably go for Edinburgh, though. There's probably more happening here with traditional and folk music in addition to the session scene, with the exception of Celtic Connections.
# Posted on September 21st 2005 by Johannes J
Re: Moving to Scotland
Why do I want to move to Scotland? The Music.
I don't want to stay where I am now. The circumstances say that it's time for me to make a move, and if I have to go somewhere, there has to be something interesting for me there, and that's the Scottish music.
The reason a pick Glasgow and Edinburgh is because they are the main cities and therefore there'll be more chances for me to get a job quickly.
I also have a sense of adventure, so not knowing the place doesn't put me off.
# Posted on September 21st 2005 by Beheader
Re: Moving to Scotland
Och it's adventure that you want? Well then, you'll be wanting to move to Inverness, after all!
# Posted on September 21st 2005 by Ptarmigan
Re: Moving to Scotland
You'll get plenty of adventure in Easterhouse or Possilpark....or Leith, even.
# Posted on September 21st 2005 by xyz
Re: Moving to Scotland
In seriousness though, you'd do well to move to either E or G for music. I don't know about Inverness, Dundee or Aberdeen. Ask Bren about Aberdeen. What is your job skillIset? If you can ride a motorbike and read a map you might make good money couriering. But it's dangerous. As someone said above there's barwork, but that's going to limit your available time for sessionning.
# Posted on September 21st 2005 by xyz
Re: Moving to Scotland
" there are plenty parts of Edinburgh which are "real enough" and not necessarily that "easy on the eye" either"
- yes - but they have a mountain in the middle of the city and all those bits are tastefully hidden behind it.
When I worked around Glasgow in the 70's there was an area called Spam Valley - so named because the people there bought their houses rather than renting, and it was the popular view that after paying their mortgages they could only afford to eat Spam. It's so long ago now I can't remember which part of the city it was.
McGregor - if you have a sense of adventure and can't choose between Glasgow and Edinburgh - its easy: live in Cumbernauld!
Somewhere in the grounds of Cumbernauld House you might just find the arse out of my brother-in-law's suit that I was wearing the night we took the short cut over the wall and met the big dog.
The other exciting thing I remember about Glasgow is that they have a railway station that they keep in the basement (is it Queen Street station?). It's so well hidden that when you come out of Central Station, enterprising locals offer to show you the way there in exchange for a bite of your Deep-Fried Mars bar.
Don't forget to wear a Manchester United shirt at all times. And remember that the locals (especially in Glasgow) are really enthralled by a posh English accent.
# Posted on September 21st 2005 by showaddydadito
Re: Moving to Scotland
Aberdeen has lowest unemployment in UK, serious labour shortage, and more trad fiddlers per capita than anywhere I know outside of Shetland. Short on banjo players though.
pop. about 250,000 plus another 100,000 or so within commuting distance.
An unbroken musical tradition so you can get close to the "real thing" (i.e old codgers) although many of the young folk at sessions play Irish tunes off recent CDs just like everywhere else.
Also has SCAT and the Elphinstone Institute if you want to take your trad music more seriously
There's a lot more to Scotland than the Central Belt
# Posted on September 21st 2005 by Bren
Re: Moving to Scotland
It's got a cold wind, though. Mind you, so has Edinburgh.
I agree with Bren about the tradition being very strong up there. It always has been and there's lots of good little festivals in the surrounding towns.
Inverness and The Highlands is much better than it used to be too with the Feis Movement, Courses, Festivals and Sessions.
Also, I don't wish to start a fight but all the best Scottish musicians seem to come from "Up North" these days, although many of them chose to study, work, and/or play tunes in Glasgow or Edinburgh.
# Posted on September 21st 2005 by Johannes J
Re: Moving to Scotland
Yes, as John says, you can commute from one to the other very easily. I personally prefer Edinburgh simply because it's much more picturesque.
The best hostel to stay in the city is Budget Backpackers: http://www.budgetbackpackers.co.uk It moved to a new building last year, and I believe it's still very clean with excellent facilities. Just two-minute walk from Sandy Bell's!
# Posted on September 21st 2005 by slainte
Re: Moving to Scotland
I once asked a long lost uncle over the phone how things were in bonny Scotland. "Och noo" sez he "the sun does nae get up until ten thirty and it gaes doon at three , and its snowin and blowin in between'. Move to Australia mate!
# Posted on September 22nd 2005 by mcknowall
Re: Moving to Scotland
OK? Australia has Sun & .............................................................................................that's it!
# Posted on September 22nd 2005 by Ptarmigan
Re: Moving to Scotland
I'm really glad to see that you recognise we have a lot of dots down under as well as sun. Ptarmigan come on down and pay us a visit. A recent Guardian newspaper survey of English/British tourists apparently rated Perth as the best destination.
# Posted on September 22nd 2005 by Donough
Re: Moving to Scotland
I'll be doing just that, soon, Donough, but probably only in and around Adelaide.
# Posted on September 22nd 2005 by Kenny
Re: Moving to Scotland
Ptarmigan, you're right, it's horrible over here you'd hate it. Make sure you never come here
# Posted on September 22nd 2005 by Dow
Re: Moving to Scotland
Sunshine NAAAAA! I prefer the dreich, miserable arthritis-inducing chill of the Scottish summer, combined with cauld glutinous porridge first thing in the morning - with salt of course!
Who wants all these bloody dots in Australia anyway - better to play by ear!
Where are you moving from McGregor - is it from a hotter climate?
# Posted on September 22nd 2005 by Ron P
Re: Moving to Scotland
Hey, did you see that guys? Donough called me English/British! I have witnesses! GGGGRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRR!
The 'HIT SQUAD' is on it's way - soon! - Be afraid! - Be VERY afraid!! (when do you leave Kenny?)
Aww Doh! Dat's sweet! I didn't know you cared so much for my welfare!
Aye RonP, ye paint a bonny picture, richt enough! How could anyone resist?
Hey, RonP, don't worry about Donough, he'll be seein' dots in front of his eyes by the time the 'squad' has finished with him!
McGregor - has any of this drivel helped you decide? A hae ma doots!
What I don't understand is, when you say you have never actually been here before? Surely you would come for a good long holiday first to check both cities out before making any decision.
# Posted on September 22nd 2005 by Ptarmigan
Re: Moving to Scotland
Yes, Thank you very much to all, it's being very helpful!
I will try to visit both places before I make any decision, and Aberdeen sounds good too, so I'll put it on my list as well.
I have lived in Ireland and Scandinavia before, so the cold and bad weather don't really scare me, for me there are more important things than nice weather.
I really appreciate all the suggestions. Thanks a lot!
# Posted on September 22nd 2005 by Beheader
Re: Moving to Scotland
Ptar
I am quivering in anticipation and maybe Dow was right - you'd probably hate it down here - not enough doom and gloom. Not really the right habitat for a grouse.
And it seems to be you that's seeing all the dots at present.
BTW Kenny will have along walk from Adelaide to Perth but I can assure him that it's better over here than in Adelaide.
How can a McGregor not have been to Edinburgh or Glasgow - two fine British cities. Whoops did I say British - I meant UK.
# Posted on September 22nd 2005 by Donough
Re: Moving to Scotland
Ooooooooh Donough! Ganging up on me now eh?, & with Doh, of all people! Thought you had better taste in people!
Before you settle, you must know the reputation of the East & West coast Folk in Scotland, McGregor!
If you visit folk on the West coast they will invite you in & say "You'll have your dinner" as they offer you a big feed.
On the East coast they invite you in & say "you'll hae had yer dinner" & offer you nothing!!
However, although the East coast folk are harder to get to know, once they accept you, you have friends for life.
The West coast folk are all over you like long lost best friends, right from the start, but once you get to know them, they're a shower of Back Stabbing Bas&&rds!!
You have been warned!
Hey, Donough, what do you mean - doom & gloom?
"for me there are more important things than nice weather." - Said McGregor!
You see that Donough!
This man has taste & I'm sure will fit in rightly in Scotia, wherever he decides to 'lay his hat'!
BTW Kenny may only have little legs, but boy can he move them quickly, when he wants to!
Especially when they shout 'Last Orders'!!
Mind you, what the f**k is he going to drink in OZ?
I've heard your, so called, 'amber necter' is PURE P*SH!!
# Posted on September 22nd 2005 by Ptarmigan
Re: Moving to Scotland
Ah!!! I always wondered what the four Xs are for - it makes sense that they stand for "PISH"
# Posted on September 22nd 2005 by Ron P
Re: Moving to Scotland
Hey! That's how to get round Jeremy's autocorrect - use invereted comas. I'll be in trouble now...........
# Posted on September 22nd 2005 by Ron P
Re: Moving to Scotland
Glasgow's having a bit of renaissance music-wise. Having sadly lost most of our older musicians over the last few years, now there's loads and loads of young players coming out from Ceoltas and the RSAMD. Lots of lively sessions. However I find Edinburgh more eclectic - more Scottish music. Glasgow still mainly Irish music with a few exceptions.
Good luck and I look forward to meeting you at a session somewhere in Scotland!
# Posted on September 23rd 2005 by Sharon the Flute
Re: Moving to Scotland
Hey Ron, why would Jeremy's Autocorrect be interested in "PISH"? It is after all, just Parliamo Glaswegian Rhyming Slang for "FISH" - ISN'T IT? .......................
Hey, saying Glasgow has the RSAMD is like saying an '..ology' is a science!
Not being a drinker - any more - if it was me, I'd live about half way between the two cities.
But then that advice is probably not much use to you, for, being a McGregor, you will probably have to get 'Totally Rat "Arsed" each time you hit a Pub!
# Posted on September 23rd 2005 by Ptarmigan
Re: Moving to Scotland
"it makes sense that they stand for "PISH""
makes even more sense that they sell more of it in the UK than Australia ....
# Posted on September 23rd 2005 by Bren
Re: Moving to Scotland
Yes Bren, perhaps, but which part of the UK is most of it sold in?....
# Posted on September 23rd 2005 by Ron P
Re: Moving to Scotland
Pishguard - in Wales!
# Posted on September 23rd 2005 by Ptarmigan
Re: Moving to Scotland
Thanks Sharon.
If I meet a Sharon that plays the flute I will ask if it is you.
But it's still going to take me a few months before I move, for I have to organise myself, think a bit, and save some money.
I'm quite excited about this.
# Posted on September 24th 2005 by Beheader