Four years ago, Tammi Gaw, a 50-year-old property adviser, moved from Washington DC to Glasgow with her Scottish partner. At the time, friends and family back home laughed at her. “People kept asking me: ‘Ha ha, why would you want to move to Scotland, where it rains all the time?’ Now those same people are asking me: ‘Hey, how do I move there?'”
She’s not the only one. According to Rightmove, 28% of inquiries from Americans about buying a home in the UK are about Scotland—more than for London. A recent survey by lettings platform Goodlord found a 63% rise in Americans renting properties in Scotland since Donald Trump’s re-election in November 2024.
But Gaw, a member of Democrats Abroad, doesn’t think dissatisfaction with the current administration fully explains Scotland’s appeal. She also points to the good vibes created by the more than 20,000 Scottish football fans who came to Massachusetts for the World Cup this summer. They won over Bostonians with their pranks and bagpipe parades, boosted local bar owners’ profits, and even bagged up their own rubbish. “The Tartan Army ran a better marketing campaign for their country than any government-funded programme,” she says. “People now see Scotland as a really fun option.”
There are more practical reasons for Scotland’s appeal too. “I advise people across all income brackets,” says Gaw. “Some are planning ahead. For example, they want Scottish residency so that later their children can get free university tuition.”
She also mentions the NHS as a draw. Most people moving to the UK on a family or skilled worker visa have to pay an annual immigration health surcharge of £1,035, but those familiar with American health insurance see this as a bargain. “The cost was less than basic monthly premiums in the US, before all the other deductibles and charges,” says Gaw. She notes that Scotland has a particular advantage for people with long-term health conditions because prescriptions are free for everyone there.
Politics and practicalities aside, a quick look at social media reveals another, less obvious reason for some of this Scottish enthusiasm—the long-running fantasy series Outlander, in which Claire Randall, a former second world war military nurse, is transported to the 18th-century Highlands, where she falls in love with Jamie Fraser, a warrior. The series features scenic locations including the Devil’s Pulpit in Finnich Glen and the standing stones at Calanais. “Plans for the evening: watch Outlander. Knit Outlander shawl. Dream of moving to Scotland,” reads a typical post. “Just back from Scotland and did a few Outlander filming locations. Cried my eyes out for a couple of days after returning home. Need to move to the Scottish Highlands!” reads another.
Hailey Beaupre, 28, who runs the tour company Sassenach Historian, knows more than most about the Outlander effect. She became obsessed while still a student in New Hampshire, binge-watching the series, reading the Diana Gabaldon books it’s based on, and booking a whirlwind trip to Scotland.
“I attended an Outlander tour where we drove to Midhope Castle [the derelict 15th-century castle near South Queensferry was one of the locations in the series]. It was like a switch flipped in my head. I said aloud: ‘I’m going to move to Scotland and I’m going to do tours like this for a living.'”
Beaupre now describes what happened next as “either a breakdown or a breakthrough,” depending on how you look at it. “I broke up with my boyfriend, I hired a therapist and I changed my degree from education to history, all in the space of a week.”
Her determination to relocate remained unwaver“Our application was approved within 48 hours,” says Forber, still sounding amazed. “It was lightning fast.” But the move took a lot of energy and resources. “We sold everything we owned, including our home. I know this isn’t possible for everyone. When you add up all the costs, it’s a very expensive thing to do.”
Since moving, they have settled happily into the local community. Forber says he enjoys the slower pace of life, cycling to school with his son on the back of his e-bike, and being recognized by local people. “Scotland is a much safer place to raise a child,” he says. “School shootings and gun violence have always worried me. I went to high school in Littleton, Colorado, at the time of the Columbine shooting, though I attended a different school. It was devastating.”
Forber mentions both everyday joys and frustrations about his new life—missing his beloved Girl Scout Cookies, the hassle of getting a UK driving licence, “though I’ve learned to love roundabouts,” the great pub culture, football, and Scottish beer. The main challenge has been finding work as a firefighter. “I feel stuck in a system where I have to apply from scratch, along with all the kids who are just starting out. I could run rings around them, but I’m not even getting a call back. I really miss the camaraderie of the job too.”
What advice would he give to fellow Americans thinking about making a similar move? “It’s not all green pastures and golf courses. Keep an open mind. Just because you watched Braveheart as a kid doesn’t mean you understand the country or its traditions. For example, I kind of want to buy a kilt, but I don’t know if I’m really allowed to wear one. My Scottish friends tell me I should get one. But I’m dragging my feet. I’ve got until next January to decide.”
Why next January?
“Our first Burns Night,” he says. Spoken like a true Scot.
Frequently Asked Questions
Heres a list of FAQs about Americans moving to Scotland inspired by the idea that Scots are among the kindest people on earth
1 Why are so many Americans moving to Scotland
A mix of factors lower cost of living than many US cities universal healthcare good public transport safety and a strong sense of community Many also have Scottish ancestry or want a slower less stressful pace of life
2 Is it true that Scots are the kindest people on earth
Thats a popular reputation and many newcomers say Scots are warm funny and quick to help Like anywhere it varies by personbut the friendliness and sense of humor are real highlights for most movers
3 Can any American just move to Scotland
No You need a visa The most common routes are a Skilled Worker visa a student visa a family visa or an ancestry visa
4 Whats the easiest visa for Americans
If you have a UKborn grandparent the UK Ancestry visa is one of the simplest Otherwise a student visa or a Skilled Worker visa with a sponsoring employer are the most common paths
5 Do I need a job before I move
For most work visas yesyou need a job offer from a UK employer licensed to sponsor visas The student route lets you study first then work after graduation
6 What is a Skilled Worker visa
It lets you live and work in Scotland for a UK employer that sponsors you You usually need a job on the eligible occupations list and meet a minimum salary threshold
7 How long does the visa process take
Typically around 3 weeks for a decision once you apply but it can take longer You should budget several months total including getting your documents and sponsorship ready
8 How much does it cost to move to Scotland
Visa fees the Immigration Health Surcharge flights shipping and a deposit on a flat can easily add up to several thousand pounds Costs vary a lot depending on your visa type and how much stuff you bring
9 Can I use my American qualifications in Scotland
Often yes but some professions require recognition or registration with a UK body
