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The first thing you must do when HEALTHCARE


Scotland offers free healthcare with the UK’s National Health Service (NHS) to people resident in the country. If you are eligible, the majority of


NHS provision is free and includes health services suchs as doctors’ consultations, dentists, hospital treatment and opticians. Prescriptions for medicine are also free. Private healthcare is available, paid for directly or, more commonly, through private insurance schemes.


you arrive in Scotland is to register with a doctor working in a community surgery – who are commonly referred to as general practitioners or ‘GPs’. The GP often works with


community health specialists such as nurses, midwives and health visitors. If you require more serious medical help, your GP will refer you to hospital. Dentists operate differently;


children, pregnant women and those on state benefits get free care if registered with an NHS practitioner. The NHS also operates NHS24, a 24-hour emergency service, telephone: 0845 4242424.


GET THE KNOWLEDGE


To find out more about accessing healthcare in Scotland, visit


www.talent scotland.com


EDUCATION


SCOTLAND has a world-wide reputation for quality and innovation in its free education system. It has recently introduced the new Curriculum for Excellence programme to enable each child to be a successful learner, a confident individual, a responsible citizen and an effective contributor to society. Formal schooling starts at five years old and parents can choose what schools their children go to, dependent on availability of places. At the age of 11/12 children move up to secondary school which they will generally attend until 16 when they sit exams. They can stay on for a further one or two years and take exams which will help them move on to further education, such as university. In Scotland there is the option of private schooling where the number of pupils in each class is generally smaller than compared to state education. Independent schools charge fees for each term. They are registered with the Scottish Government Education Department and receive regular inspections to ensure high standards of teaching. Scotland is home to some of the oldest


universities in the world – the University of St. Andrews was established in 1413 – and they continue to provide world leading research in areas such as life sciences and engineering. Scottish universities are also a growing


source of new enterprise as scientists are increasingly looking to commercialise their ideas by attracting funding and ‘spinning out’ new companies, particularly in life sciences and technology.


RELOCATION


When you are relocating to Scotland, we are here to point you in the right direction. TalentScotland’s website


provides information on everything you need to know about moving here, from immigration, finding a place to live, benefits and taxes, healthcare, information on cities and regions, to opening a bank account, registering for council tax or schooling your children. You will also find useful


contacts for buying or renting a home, relocation companies and removals and storage companies. You can read more on our website about people who have done it. We offer this information


service to enable you to make informed decisions for an overall pleasant experience during what can be a stressful time.


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