POLICING


Community focus on crime and safety


Crime in Scotland is low and falling, making it a very safe place to live, work and study. Officers of the nation’s eight regional police forces do not routinely carry firearms and are a well-liked and trusted part of their communities. This spirit of community


safety is also reflected in the many Neighbourhood Watch schemes, made up of resident volunteers who work with the police, improving safety and reporting anything suspicious. Figures published by the


Scottish Government show the total number of recorded crimes fell by 10 per cent between 2008-09 and 2009-10, and they are expected to continue to fall. Punishment for criminal


activity can range from financial penalties and enforced community service to time in prison. The justice system is


designed to be accessible to all and there are many sources of impartial advice on legal issues. A good place to start is Citizen’s Advice Scotland (www.cas.org.uk) which will often be able to answer your questions or refer you to someone who can.


If you’re looking for somewhere to live, there are many options open to you


comfort Home


SCOTLAND boasts a wide range of property options, whether your tastes lean toward a cottage in the countryside, an elegant Georgian townhouse or a modern city centre flat. Everywhere you look, you


will find examples of the iconic, distinctively Scottish architecture which forms such an important part of the nation’s identity. From the Glasgow creations of Charles Rennie Macintosh and the stately sandstone of Edinburgh’s New Town, to the Highlands’ historic crofts, Scotland’s heritage is expressed through its buildings. But whatever style of


property you choose to call home, you will never be far from the tranquillity and stunning natural beauty of the great Scottish outdoors, or the rich cultural, social and commercial life of its vibrant towns and cities. Near the centre of


Scotland’s major cities, where space is at a premium, it is more usual to find flats than houses, often with shared garden space. This is a traditional aspect of Scottish city life, and many flats boast floorspace equivalent to that of a house. But working in a city does not


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mean you must live there. The nation’s excellent public transport infrastructure makes commuting from the city limits or the countryside quite easy. Scotland’s property market


allows for both purchase and rental. If you would prefer to buy, but are not familiar with the market in the specific local area, renting can be a good option while you research your choices. Short-term lets are readily available, and agents with good local knowledge can help find a rental property which meets your needs. If you are looking to buy a


property you will need to arrange a mortgage.


Banks and building societies will often lend a percentage of


the value of the property, though a lot depends on their assessment of the borrower’s own finances. Mortgages which cover the


full value of the property (often called 100 per cent mortgages) are now rare, and lenders will often require borrowers to put up at least 15 per cent of the value themselves as a deposit. If you require personalised


guidance, Independent Financial Advisers are able to clearly and impartially set out your choices, and can often arrange lending on your behalf, for a small fee. It is worth bearing in mind that buying a property usually


There’s plenty of choice in housing: from large detached properties... www.talentscotland.com


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