How to Have a British Christmas

I found this video a few days ago and I've been laughing ever since. It's all true. And I love it!

{Ask Mary} What is Council Tax?

After this post and the comments I realized that I should probably clarify exactly what is council tax and why you'll need to pay it when you move to Scotland.

What is council tax?

Council Tax is the system of local taxation used to part fund services provided by local authorities. The rate of tax payable is based on the value of residential property. Meaning, a 3 bedroom house would pay more council tax than a studio flat. The reason being the amount of services used. The amount that each household pays depends on their band (A-H).

Council tax goes partly to fund your water, sewage and rubbish pick up. It is essentially just your utility bill. But it just so happens that everyone in and around your area usually pay about the same amount. It's is paid each month. 

When searching for a property you can ask your letting/estate agent what council tax band the property is in.  You can often find the council tax band listed with the property description online (A-H). Then you can find the amount per band HERE. Council tax is paid by whomever lives in the property--either owner or renter. 

Council tax should be added to your expenses each month. Once you move to Scotland you need to go directly to the council building and get set up for council tax to avoid a fine.

ps. My Sausage Mini Fritatta recipe was on MSN! I was totally surprised to see it. I had completely forgotten it was going to be featured. It is perfect for a Thanksgiving/Christmas brunch. I hope you'll try it.

Visit Scotland: The Falls of Feugh

Saturday was such a gorgeous day that we decided to hit the road and play tourist. It was cold but the sun was shining so it was really perfect. We headed to Banchory and stopped at The Falls of Feugh. Autumn is spawning time and you can watch the salmon swim upstream and actually jump out of the water!

When we were almost to the footbridge I coud see the salmon jumping already and I got really excited! I thought we might have to sit outside and wait for awhile before we saw one but they were jumping like crazy! There was one every couple of minutes. Luis caught them in action for your viewing pleasure.

The best time to see the salmon leaping is from February-March and September-November. The footbridge is easily seen from the road and there is a free car park by the Falls of Feugh Restaurant and Tea Room. The town centre of Banchory is just a small walk and it looked like there were several other walking routes close by.

Once we were frozen to the bone and ready to head back to the car we decided to check out two castles (Crathes Castle and Drum Castle) that we saw on the drive up. One thing I love about living in Aberdeenshire is that we can just get in the car and go in one direction and there will be several interesting things to see. We don't even need to really plan anything and we'll see something awesome.

Check out the pictures from our day!

Crathes Castle

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Drum Castle

Drum Castle (backside)

Lets Talk About Jobs in Scotland

The number one email I receive on a consistent basis has always been about where and how to find jobs in Scotland. I also get a lot of people asking if I could assist them with their search. I've been thinking for a long time about how I could possibly help you. I hope this gets your wheels turning.

Let me tell you a little bit about S1 Jobs. They are a site that specializes in jobs in Scotland. Not the whole United Kingdom. They are just focused on Scotland. They have a great blog and their site is full of helpful information. They also have thousand's of job listings!

S1 Jobs and I have teamed up to hopefully answer some of your questions about working in Scotland. We each asked and answered 3 questions. I really hope this helps some of you know where to start your job search in Scotland!

S1 Jobs: What was the reason for choosing Aberdeen for your profession?

Me: While my husband had a good job in Glasgow, he wasn't growing and getting where he wanted. It was one of those jobs that you could stay in for the next 20 years but also never grow and learn more. We wanted an opportunity to better our family and my husband wanted an opportunity to learn and grow in his chosen field. So the hunt for a new job began.

Aberdeen is a thriving oil and gas city that has so much to offer this country in terms of financial gain and a standard of living that isn't just about money either. There is so much happening in Aberdeen! Aberdeenshire has so much beauty and fun to offer a family. We wanted to be a part of that.

S1 Jobs: What were the factors you had to consider when choosing a location for work?

Me: We lived outside Glasgow for over 5 years. While we did enjoy  it, my husband's communte to and from work was very long. We didn't have much in the way of entertainment and shopping where we lived so we wanted a place we could get everything we wanted in a smaller, cleaner city than Glasgow--without the commute. We also wanted to be quite close to the country without feeling so far away from the world. Aberdeen could give us all those things. The sea view didn't hurt either!

S1 Jobs: What were the challenges you encountered whilst finding work in Aberdeen?

Me: Aberdeen is a competitive place. The people are very educated and experienced in the oil and gas industry. It can be a difficult market to break in to when you don't have any prior experience. But, we felt like the companies we interviewed with were very open to the idea of what my husband had to offer and we secured a job with a great company! We've been living here just over a year now and couldn't be happier!

Now, I got a chance to ask S1 Jobs some questions too. I had YOU in mind.

Me: I get a lot of emails asking about how to find jobs in Scotland from people all over the world. Does S1 Jobs have any options to filter sponsored job listings for foreign applicants?

S1 Jobs: Not exactly, but we don't necessarily need to have that option. The application process is open to anyone who wants to work in Scotland. There is no preferential treatment to anyone currently living there. The decision lies with the employer on who they would like to hire. If you are looking to work in Scotland, regardless of where you are searching, the results will be the same. 

Me: What differentiates S1 Jobs from other job seeking competitors like LinkedIn, Monster UK, Total Jobs and others?

S1 Jobs: S1 Jobs is a site that specializes in job located in Scotland. For those who are looking for work in Scotland, we are able to funnel their search to the location they desire and focus only on Scottish jobs. We don't see sites like LinkedIn as competitors but more as another tool for users to utilize to further their job hunt.

Me: What is your number one piece of advice for job seekers that makes the most difference to their CV or cover letter?

S1 Jobs: It depends on the employer and what they require from you. One number one tip would be make sure you show the  best examples of your skills in the cover letter or CV that match what the employer requires from their desired employee. Don't exaggerate but make sure your examples are:

• True
• Accurate
• Displays the skills that they are asking for

And ....there you have it. S1 Jobs is THE place to find jobs in Scotland. You are welcome to apply no matter your country. Take a look, get yourself registered and start applying! I really do hope you find what you're looking for.

There will be a few more posts in this series on Finding Jobs in Scotland so stay tuned. Good luck on the job hunt!

S1 Jobs also asked me what my dream job would be. I said a novelist. I would love to write fiction someday. They had an illustrator come up with this little picture to inspire me. Which I find...hilarious.

ps. This post is NOT sponsored. Unless you count that little illustration up there. It is purely a collaboration to help all of you looking for jobs in Scotland. Good luck!

How to Deal with the Scottish Rain

Last year I came to terms with the rain in Scotland. I accepted it for what it is and my life has been completely different since. The rain is a part of Scotland. It isn't going anywhere. But, for a long time I let it dictate my feelings and how I spent my day.

We've been having a lot of rain here in Scotland as of late. It's kind of abrupt moving from summer to autumn here. One day it is sunny and the temps are good and you're spending every day at the park. Then without any warning the temps drop, the leaves start to change and the rain comes. Lots and lots of rain.

My first month in Scotland it rained every single day. I didn't go out and I just watched it rain and rain and rain. It was a complete shock and I didn't know how to live like that.  After years (years!) of practice I'm going to let you know how I do it and how I love it.

+ Check the forecast:: This one may seem like a no brainer but let me explain. I'm an obsessive weather app checker. I plan my week around what's going on with the weather. It helps to know that Tuesday and Wednesday will be clear but the weekend will be rainy. Even though the week will change from one day to the next, you can usually know what's going to happen at least one day in advance. Plan your week around the sunny days.

+ Be prepared. The weather app is never right. Make sure you have a rain coat, umbrella, something.

+ If it is sunny (or not raining) then you get yourself outside. Do not stay indoors. I don't care if you're just going for a walk around the park or to lunch at a cafe by yourself. You just get your butt outside. Have a mound of laundry and a dirty kitchen? I don't care. You get outside. I keep a  list of things I want to do/see when the weather is nice. Do not waste this precious time. Stay out all day! You'll thank me one day.

+ Just because it's grey and cloudy does not mean it isn't a nice day. You can still get outside in that and you will grab yourself some vitamin D while you're at it. It might seem gloomy in the beginning but you'll quickly realize that as long as it isn't pouring down the rain it's a great day!

+ When it is pouring the rain (for days on end) that's when I do my house cleaning and baking. Sebastian and I plan some activities to do indoors and it actually feels nice to be inside because we've spent so much time outdoors lately!

+ If it rains more than 2 days in a row, get outside. Get dressed and get out in the rain. Walk somewhere, anywhere. But do not stay home. When you spend more time inside it makes it harder to leave.  I never let myself have more than 2 days in a row inside. Just make it a rule. You might have to get wet once in awhile but it will be worth it. I promise. I never regret getting outside, even in the rain.

+ What do you do when you are really depressed and you literally can't force yourself out of the house? This is where I would first suggest talking to your doctor. This weather is the pits and when you aren't used to grey skies all the time your body goes through a shock or sorts. You can become depressed and lethargic. First talk to your doctor. Then get outside. Sometimes I have such a hard time trying to just get out the door. I have to call someone (usually my mom) and ask her to stay on the phone with me until I get outside. I force myself. It can feel like pushing a brick wall some days but I put my shoes on, pack a little bag for Sebastian and get him dressed. Sometimes this takes a long time. But I just do it. My Mom is on the other line and we just do it. Even if I am just walking around the block a few times we do it. Staying in is not going to make you feel better. But getting outside for a little bit and smelling the fresh air and seeing a little bit if sunshine (ok, let's just call it light. sunny is too misleading) is going to help you. You're stronger than this.

+ Make plans. Is there someone you've been wanting to get to know? Then ask them to lunch. Is there a place you've been wanting to see? Then plan a time to go and see it. Want to know what is in your neighborhood? Then take a walk. Just do stuff. The more you get out the more you will realize that the weather isn't the problem. It is just another factor in your life here.

+ My best advice on this subject is just to get outside. Do it. Do not wait for the rain to stop and the sun to come out. It isn't going to. But you're going to get more depressed and feel more alone if you stay inside. Just get outside. Push yourself. It might take some time but I know you're going to love this rain as much as I do.

ps. If you ever want to chat about it or need someone to go walking with just let me know!

This is Crovie, Aberdeenshire

 

This weekend we had the most brilliant weather. It was literally scorching! Luis was off work on Friday so we decided to check out an old fishing village. The whole drive was on country roads. Sheep and cows dot the countryside as well as crumbling ruins of I'm sure were once cottages or old farm buildings. We caught glimpses of the North Sea on our way.

Crovie is unique. The shelf is so narrow there is only room for the cottages and a small foot path. There is a fantastic view point at the top of the cliffs that took my breath away. The peace and quiet that surrounded this village was amazing and I can't wait to go back.

We wanted a closer look so we walked down the path and a set of steep steps to get down to the village. We found a group of kids kicking a ball around and every cottage had wet suits hanging from their clothes line. We saw children climbing on a large boulder, barefoot, and then sat back on the rock and pulled out their book from their back pocket and started to read. There were more kids and parents hanging out of the dock and getting into the water.

A cute older couple stopped us to chat for a bit and I asked them if the water came right up to the path and she said it did. She told me there was a big gale the other day and the waves were crashing on her roof! Then she said, "It makes this an interesting place to live." I now have a desire to stay here for a week to experience such a thing.

There was a storm surge here in 1953 that was so large it washed away the path leading to the other side of the bay into Gardenstown. The damage to the fishing industry was so great most of the people living here just packed up and moved across the bay--leaving Crovie one of the most well preserved fishing villages in Europe. The cottages here mostly make up holiday rentals now. I am itching to stay here!

What do you think? Would you stay here during a storm?

Scotland's National Tourist Routes

Campbelltown, Scotland

 Fancy a driving holiday? Spoil yourself, rent that dream car, book a chalet for a week and explore roads like these!

Scotland has 12 National Routes for you to enjoy diverse landscapes, towns and villages. If you're planning a trip to Scotland you are going to want to check these out.

For our First Anniversary Luis and I took a road trip through the highlands. It was amazing and I'd wished I was an awesome blogger to photograph and write about it all. I have very few photos of our trip. We left from Glasgow and took a few tourist routes to get up to Thurso--the Northern most point of mainland Scotland. It was amazing!

We drove on tiny one lane roads {pictured above} nestled deep in the Scottish mountains. I remember coming over the crest of a hill and stopping the car to look down on hundreds of majestic deer. It was a site I won't ever forget. We just sat there for ages watching these deer. We started counting their antlers and trying to find the oldest one. We actually found an 18 point! It was all just incredible. We sat there for probably an hour. Just waiting for the deer to pass the road.

We drove through small villages and big cities. Any chance we got we drove the coastal routes. There is just something about the ocean that never gets old. We passed castle after castle and saw wildlife and derelict estates just about everywhere.

I would encourage anyone who is visiting Scotland to rent a car and head out on one of these routes for a few days. It is an amazing way to see this country!

Let's Talk About Rain Gear

I am coming up on my 6th anniversary of moving to Scotland. I never thought in a million years we'd still be here. But we are. I must have lived here too long because I don't even think it rains that much. Seriously, what's wrong with me?! Even the locals know it rains a lot!

I get a lot of emails about rain gear. What should you buy? What will you need? Should you buy at home or wait until you get to Scotland? I'm going to share with you my opinions on the matter.

Are you ready? This is big.
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Wait until you get here.

The advice I usually give is to wait until you get here to purchase your rain coat. I'm sure many of you who receive this such email aren't exactly satisfied but I really think it is best to wait. You need to experience the rain a bit and decide what you need. Do you walk a lot? Cycle? Hike? Drive your car everywhere? The stores here cater to our climate. You'll find just what you need when you get here. I'd hate for you to spend so much time and money on it only to realize what you bought at home isn't working for you here. Although, you can buy those wellies anywhere. Knock yourself out.

For those of you who don't take my advice and really do want to bring rain gear/coats with you I will share with you some pieces that will work for you here.

 

 

+ Get a winter coat and rain jacket with a hood and pockets. This is a must. You never know where
you will be when it starts to rain. It's easy to just pull your hood up and keep walking. Getting something with a collar and a hood is perfect. We get a lot of wind here. You'll want to feel snug and warm in there. I walk everywhere so I need pockets to throw my keys in or keep my gloves where I can get to them. Or snacks for Sebastian when I don't want to go rummaging through my bag.

+ Umbrellas are sort of superfluous here. The wind is so strong it will turn it inside out. But, the umbrellas that go down further and make a dome around you are perfect for a downpour. You won't use it all the time but they are nice to have.

+ Hats! I wear a hat all the time. ALL the time. We have strong winds here in Scotland and your hair gets whipped around and all up in your face if you aren't wearing a hat. I keep it simple with a beret that can stay in place if I need to put my hood up too.

+ Rain boots. Get them anywhere, any size, any style. They will all work. Find yourself a pair with good soles and support and you're ready to go!

That's my advice and I'm sticking to it.

Cove Bay

We had a few sunny days last week that just had me itching to get out over the weekend. We all had colds but that didn't stop us when the sun came out on Saturday. I have a few places I'd been dying to see but I'm saving those in my back pocket for warmer days. Oh, I just can't wait.

We headed to Cove Bay instead. It is a suburb on the south-east edge of Aberdeen. This village-like town boasts gorgeous rocky cliffs and never ending waves crashing on the rocky shore. The very small finishing community berths their boats on the shingle beach {a natural harbour with a beach of pebbles or small cobbles instead of sand}.

I was hoping to get out onto the rocks but the wind was fierce. Fierce I tell you! I was having a hard time standing on my own two feet let alone if I tried to climb slippery rock. So, we stayed on shore and watched the seagulls ride the waves on the North Sea.

If you go to Cove Bay bring all your winter gear. It was cold! But very beautiful. Like something out of a novel. It's nice to spend some time in beautiful places. It does my heart good.

Unique Places to Stay in Scotland

I get several emails each month asking about cottages and unique places to stay in Scotland. I think it is time that I shared some of this fun information for all to see. Whether you are planning a trip to Scotland in the near future or just wanting to live vicariously there are so many interesting places to stay in Scotland. Why choose a traditional hotel? I wouldn't even dream of it.




photo copyright Visit Scotland

Chauffeur's Apartment at Lochinch Castle

 

A 3 bedroom self-catering apartment and is located in the picturesque Victorian Stable Courtyard at Lochinch Castle, the private home of the Earl and Countess of Stair.

 

The surrounding area is full of scenic treasures, including deserted sandy beaches, exotic gardens, rolling hillsides and open estuaries. The Southern Upland Way is located close by as is the River Luce which offers excellent fly fishing. Stranraer town is just three miles away with a wide range of pubs, restaurants, shops and activities including cinema, swimming and a museum.  Other local attractions include a whisky distillery, Mull of Galloway Lighthouse, Wigtown Book Town and the picturesque sea-side village of Port Patrick where guests can enjoy excellent seafood restaurants, village stores and pubs. They even have bicycles available for use!

 

Location:: Lochinch Castle, Stranraer, Galloway

Prices:: start at £390 per week

Type:: Self Catering

Rating:: 4 stars Scottish Tourist Board

photo copyright Fasque House Holiday Cottages

Avenue Cottage

 

A charming and beautifully appointed holiday property located on the grounds of the stunning Fasque House Estate. Our two-bedroom cottage easily adapts to stays for families or friends. A calm retreat to rest and restore energy levels, ready for tomorrow.

Fasque’s four hundred acres are the natural home to a host of Scottish wildlife.
 There’s also the peaceful pleasure of wide, open spaces, from wild expanses to riverbanks. As if the Estate isn’t enough, your quiet country retreat has much to enjoy right on its doorstep. An easy drive opens up a world of activities to try and historic sites to explore. From golfing, family activities, castles and whiskey distilleries.

 

Location:: Fasque House Estate, Fettercairn, Laurencekirk, Kincardineshire 

Prices:: start at £240 for 2-3 nights

Type:: Self Catering

Rating:: 4 Stars Scottish Tourist Board

photo copyright Buchan Ness Lighthouse

Skerry Cottage, Buchan Ness Lighthouse

Breath taking scenery of one of Scotland's best kept secrets, the Buchan Coast, the lighthouse is less than an hours drive from Aberdeen. With miles of empty beaches, some of the best Golf Courses and Surfing in Britain, and within easy reach of Castles and Whisky.

 

Location::  Skerry Cottage, Buchan Ness Lighthouse, Boddam, Aberdeenshire

Prices:: start at £216 per short weekend!

Type:: Self catering

Rating:: No rating from the tourist board yet

photo copyright Visit Scotland

Parrandier- The Old Church of Urquhart

Raise your spirits with a peaceful and uplifting stay at Parrandier - a rural Scottish church set in 2 acres of gardens, close to the sea at the Moray Firth and to the Grampian Highlands.

 

Location:: Parrandier, Meft Road, Urquhart By Elgin, Moray

Prices:: start at just £33 per night

Type:: Bed and Breakfast {dinner available upon request}

Rating:: 4 stars Scottish Tourist Board

photo copyright Glennapp Castle

Glennapp Castle

Glenapp Castle is a Scottish Baronial castle set in 36 acres of stunning gardens and woodland, offering true exclusivity. It is ideal for a relaxing break or to hire on an exclusive use basis for a wedding, family gathering or corporate event.

 

Guests may spend rewarding moments strolling through the terraced formal gardens or play croquet on the lawn, or in more energetic mode, tennis on the all-weather tennis court. Dining in our award winning restaurant each evening at the castle is a peerless experience with the finest cuisine created by a skilled and professional team and complemented by carefully selected wines from the castle cellars.

The surrounding Ayrshire and Galloway countryside is ruggedly beautiful with many places of interest for guests to visit as well as numerous activities to enjoy either in the castle grounds or nearby.

Location:: Ballantrae, Ayrshire
Prices:: start at £235 per night
Type:: Hotel
Rating:: 5 Stars Scottish Tourist Board

photo copyright Kilmeny

Kilmeny Country House

Kilmeny is situated on a working farm just at the edge of Ballygrant Village only a few miles south of Port Askaig Ferry Terminal on the Hebridean Island of Islay.

Location:: Isle of Islay, Argyll
Prices:: start at £125 per night {breakfast included}
Type:: Guesthouse
Rating:: 5 stars from the Scottish Tourist Board

photo copyright The Lint Mill

The Lint Mill

The Lint Mill offers 4 star luxury bed & breakfast on a delightful traditional smallholding farm in the rolling countryside of Scotland’s Southern Uplands. Situated only 45 minutes from Edinburgh and Glasgow.

 

Sometimes it’s the little things that make all the difference to a trip away and at The Lint Mill the home produce, the fresh flowers, home-made cakes and bookshelves stacked with games, jigsaws, novels and maps all make this a special place to stay.

Whether you choose to snuggle in front of the cosy wood-burner in the chilly winter evenings or relax in the pretty walled cottage garden on a summer afternoon, The Lint Mill is charming in all seasons.

There are plenty of footpaths all around the smallholding, choose from a brief stroll along the river in the river paddock, a walk along the old drovers road or serious all day hike in the lovely Scottish Borders.

Location:: Carnwath, Lanark, Lanarkshire
Prices:: start at £40 per night
Type:: Bed and Breakfast
Rating:: 4 stars Scottish Tourist Board

photo copyright Hebridean Huts

Hebridean Huts

Luxury glamping cabins on the Isle of Lewis in the Outer Hebrides. Stunning coastal location on a working alpaca farm at the edge of the Atlantic. Hebridean Huts are in the perfect location to enjoy panoramic views of the Atlantic Ocean and the rugged Lewis coastline. A break in this rural idyll is much more than a holiday - it is the chance to unwind surrounded by nature, seascape and landscape - to truly escape the 9 to 5 and live on island time.

Location:: Isle of Lewis, Western Isles
Prices:: start at £85 per night
Type:: Self Catering Camping Pods
Rating:: no rating yet

photo copyright European Waterways

Scottish Highlander Canal Narrowboat

A cruise aboard Scottish Highlander along the Great Glen as you admire some of Scotland’s finest scenery will be unforgettable.  

Location:: Fort Augustus, Inverness
Prices:: £375 per night
Type:: Canal Narrowboat Barge Hotel
Rating:: no rating yet

photo copyright Kingsburg Boathouse

The Kingsburg Boathouse

Exceptionally beautiful, secluded, romantic stone cottage for two, located right on the edge of one of Skye's grandest sea lochs. Views are to the Cuillin mountains, the Outer Hebrides as well as to the otters on the rocks below.

Location:: Snizort, Isle of Skye
Prices:: £1200 per week
Type:: Self catering Boathouse
Rating:: 5 stars Scottish Tourist Board

photo copyright Aldourie Castle

Aldourie Castle {the whole thing!!}

Aldourie Castle is a unique and inspiring place to relax, indulge and enjoy good times with family and friends. Set within a private estate guests take exclusive hire of the 13-bed castle as their own home for a holiday. It is available for exclusive hire throughout the year for guests to take over as their own castle for their holiday, short break or special event.

Location:: Inverness, Inverness Shire
Prices:: start at £12,000 for 2 nights
Type:: rental of the whole castle
Rating:: 5 stars Scottish Tourist Board

*prices were correct at time of publication.
*before booking be sure to check out customer ratings at Trip Advisor

So, which would you stay in?

 

More Pictures of Dunnottar Castle

I wanted to finish sharing photos of Dunnottar Castle because I said I would. This place was just so very cool. We're thinking about a season pass! I can see many more trips here in the future.

Take a peak!