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HOUSING & TRANSPORT


HOMES in Scotland come in all shapes, sizes and locations . As in many countries, you can buy or rent a home and house-hunting is simple. There are lots of letting agencies, and you can search for properties online. Rents are more expensive in more desirable locations, however, costs outside the cities are usually lower. House prices in Scotland are relatively stable and


the average price is lower than other parts of the UK, particularly London. In Scotland, the house seller provides a Home Report, which has detailed information about the property. Scotland has excellent


public transport services. Bus and train services cover the country. There are also major airports in Glasgow, Edinburgh, Aberdeen and Inverness.


CHILDCARE & EDUCATION


CHILDCARE is widely available throughout Scotland. Nursery schools (some of which are free) and registered childminders are available to look after children under five years old. If you’d like to you can employ a nanny, which means you will pay their wages and tax. Scotland’s free education system


HEALTHCARE


PEOPLE who live in Scotland are eligible for free healthcare from the UK’s National Health Service (NHS). NHS care includes


access to doctors, dentists, and hospitals. Medicines prescribed by a doctor are free. If you wish you can buy private healthcare, either directly or through private insurance.


The first thing you must do when you arrive in Scotland is register with a doctor in a community surgery – who are commonly known as general practitioners or ‘GPs’. The GP often works with


other 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 people on state benefits get free care if registered with an NHS dentist. If you are not in one of these categories you can receive cheaper dental care, with the NHS paying for part of your treatment. The NHS also operates NHS24, a 24-hour emergency helpline, telephone: 0845 4242424.


is known throughout the world for its high quality. It has recently introduced a ‘Curriculum for Excellence’ designed to help every child be a successful learner, a confident individual, a responsible citizen and an effective contributor to society.


Children start primary school at four


or five years old and at age 11 or 12 move to secondary school. At age 16 they take national exams. They can stay for another one or two years and take exams to help them move to further education, such as university. If parents wish they can send their


children to private schools which charge fees. Scotland has some of the world’s oldest universities. They carry out world leading research and create new businesses through ‘spin out’ companies.


SAFETY


GET THE KNOWLEDGE


To find out more about childcare and education for your children, visit


www.talent scotland.com


SCOTLAND is safe and secure; police officers do not carry guns, except at airports. There is one integrated


police organisation, Police Scotland, which has more than 17,300 officers. Figures published by the


Scottish Government in June 2013 show that the number of crimes in Scotland fell by


13 per cent between 2011- 12 and 2012-13. Deputy Chief Constable


Rose Fitzpatrick from Police Scotland said: “Scotland is a very safe place. “The statistics that are published demonstrate that it is a great place in which to live and work and that policing in Scotland is very effective.”


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