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TalentScotland LivE, work, STUDY
WELCOME TO SCOTLAND Everything you need to know about living, working and studying in Scotland
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03 SNAPSHOT OF SCOTLAND A quick look at living and working in Scotland 04 THE POWER TO PERFORM Scotland’s reputation for innovation continues in life sciences, finance, energy and electronics 06 BLUE SKY THINKING Education in Scotland is all about life-long learning 08 SMALL AND BEAUTIFUL For a small country Scotland has a lot to offer 10 home comfort Safe and secure – life in Scitland 14 PARTY PEOPLE Discover the wide range of cultural and sporting activities to enjoy in Scotland 16 CALL OF THE WILD Australian Christene Leiper not only made Scotland her home, but she started up her own business as well
Welcome... Scotland has a long tradition of welcoming people from all around the world to come and live in our country. People are attracted to Scotland for many different reasons: our bustling and cosmopolitan cities, our outstanding natural environment, our vibrant culture and rich heritage, our world-class higher education or our excellent public services and transport links. We want you to: • Live here, because the life is good and enriching • Work here, because the people are well-educated and ambitious • Study here, because the standard of higher education is world-class • Visit here, because Scotland has a natural beauty which radiates from the varied landscapes and people • Invest here, because Scotland is competitive and productive. The Scottish entrepreneurial spirit and a strong work ethic, qualities we share with many other nations, are creating opportunities to enable talented people to help build a successful Scotland. Job opportunities are available at different levels across a wide range of sectors including electronic technologies, renewable energy, financial services, life sciences, oil and gas, food and drink, tourism, health and transport. Our vision is of a nation that is fair and just, a nation that is fertile for ambition and talent, contributing to the world and preparing to be a modern independent state. Whether you are already moving to Scotland, or thinking about coming to join us, this magazine is intended
to help you with all you need to know about living and working in Scotland – from gaining employment, to looking for housing, to finding schools for your children, as well as information about the many leisure and cultural opportunities that Scotland has to offer. Scotland is on a journey and the path ahead is a bright one. For those with the drive to succeed, it is great to be part of a Scotland that truly flourishes. You can be assured of a warm Scottish welcome. Alex Salmond First Minister of Scotland
USEFUL CONTACTS This publication has been produced by TalentScotland, part of Scottish Development International (SDI). For more information about the exceptional job opportunities and exciting lifestyle awaiting you in Scotland please visit www.talentscotland.com The views expressed by contributors are their own and do not necessarily reflect those of SDI.
our Relocation advisory service team offers help and advice to employers, workers and students on any matters regarding relocating to scotland, including visas and immigration. the service is free of charge and is manned by trained immigration advisors. contact ras: www.talentscotland.com/contact Telephone 0300 244 6824 (from the UK) or 0044 141 278 8824 (from outside the uk).
To contact the editor please email: info@talentscotland.com Written and designed by Connect Communications www.connectcommunications.co.uk
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AT A GLANCE
800 Scotland has
90
There are more than
islands – of which 130 are inhabited
THE ECONOMY IN NUMBERS • International exports total £21.1 billion with the USA, £21.1 billion with the USA, Netherlands and France as the top three markets • Scotland has 15 universities, • Scotland has two art schools and the Scottish Agricultural College. • There are 27,480 • There are 27,480 international students in Scotland – representing 12 per cent of full-time students at Scottish universities. • More than half of Scotland’s renewable energy capacity comes from 80 wind farms, comes from providing 2GW of electricity across the country. • Scotland plans to produce the equivalent of 100 per cent the equivalent of of its own electricity demand from renewable resources by 2020. • The Scottish Government has committed £2.5 billion in has committed infrastructure development, including £1bn in transport, and £750m each in health and education.
YOU don’t have to like golf, haggis or whisky to enjoy Scotland! While the country’s traditional image and cultural icons are a big appeal to visitors, its centres of learning, international reputation for innovation and cosmopolitan cities and welcoming communities also provide a magnet for people to develop their careers in academia, commerce and industry. That’s why Scotland has continued to attract international business investment and has become a world-class location for developing cutting edge research and development.
Scotland’s highest mountain in Ben Nevis which is
1,344 metres
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Highland Games held across Scotland – the largest being the Braemar Gathering that Her Majesty The Queen attends
The River Tay is Scotland’s longest river at
193km
129 Edinburgh is the capital, where
Glasgow is hosting the
th
Commonwealth Games in 2014
Members of Parliament attend the Scottish Parliament
Numbers add up to an attractive
proposition Newcomers to the country are impressed with the quality of life they can enjoy living in Scotland, with lower house prices than many other parts of the UK and the minimal commuting time – thanks to good public transport links which makes living in the
country and working in the city a reality for many. In addition to enjoying Scotland’s spectacular countryside – which ranges from secluded beaches to rugged mountain ranges – there’s plenty of activities to get involved in from sailing and
kite surfing to mountain biking and whitewater rafting. Scotland has everything you need to enjoy a rewarding and fulfilling life – and you never know, you might even develop a taste for golf, whisky and haggis after all! 3
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No corner of the world has been left untouched by our inventiveness, our thirst for knowledge and progess – a little nation that turns huge wheels
The power
to perform INDUSTRY SECTORS
WHAT do Dolly the sheep, the first printed banknote, the Saltire Prize and the television have in common? Well, they are all “world firsts” from Scotland – and represent industries where Scotland excels. The life sciences, energy, electronic technologies and financial services sectors in Scotland also represent great opportunities for motivated people to excel in. LIFE SCIENCES Scotland hosts one of the largest life sciences clusters in Europe, with a significant international presence in research, development and manufacturing. Over the years, pioneering work has taken place in Scotland’s universities and research institutes, in areas such as: • the development of MRI and CAT scanners;
• the discovery of the p53 cancer suppressor gene; • world-recognised research in diabetes and cancer; • ReNeuron’s groundbreaking stem cell trial for stroke patients; • the cloning of Dolly the sheep. Scotland maintains this rich heritage with high levels of expertise, a culture of innovation, and continuing research and technology excellence which together have resulted in a thriving, growing industry on the brink of new discoveries. Life science specialisms include: • stem cell research • translational medicine • contract research • drug discovery • medical technologies • bioinformatics. MORE INFO... www.talentscotland.com/ lifesciences
“What do Dolly the sheep, the first printed banknote, the Saltire Prize and television have in common?” 4
Job opportunities To find out about the wide range of jobs available in Scotland visit www.talentscotland.com/jobs
ENERGY
Ambitious plans for Scotland is home to more than 2,000 companies in the energy sector, operating in over 100 markets. Scotland’s own abundant energy resources are being developed by a critical mass of companies and government targets committing Scotland to widespread adoption of
renewable energy sources. key energy sectors in Scotland today include: • oil and gas; • marine; • wind (offshore and onshore); • fuel cells; • solar power;
www.talentscotland.com/industries
surprising to find out that this a significant contributor to the Scottish economy. Scotland is also one of the world’s major fund management centres with more than £650 billion managed directly from the country; and a further £760 billion in the hands of Scotland’s general insurance, life insurance and pensions sector. Another strength Scotland has developed is in asset servicing – the area that has grown up in recent years from the trend to outsource “back office” jobs from banks and fund managers. In the past few years, we’ve seen the likes of Morgan Stanley, Blackrock, State Street, Bank of New York Mellon arrive here and the list goes on,
renewable energy • bioenergy. Scotland’s universities excel in energy research and development and embrace our culture of collaboration with organisations and companies. Today, the experience and expertise built up by Scotland’s oil and gas
industry is assisting the energy sector’s diversification into renewables. MORE INFO... www.talentscotland.com/ energy
helping the sector generate some £7 billion for the economy. Continued innovation and a highly skilled workforce are just a few of the strengths that Scotland can continue to offer to make the financial services industry attractive to people from around the world who want to develop their careers in this growing sector. MORE INFO... www.talentscotland.com/ financial-services
ELECTRONIC TECHNOLOGIES Scotland has a global reputation for excellence in the electronics industry and has over 50 years of electronics manufacturing experience. Despite changing global circumstances reshaping the industry, Scotland has successfully maintained a reputation for excellence in electronics and is adapting to industry needs. With countries such as China expanding their manufacturing capabilities, Scotland has capitalised on its unique, highly-developed infrastructure and longestablished electronics reputation. Recently, Scottish companies have reinvented themselves as high-end electronics producers as opposed to high-volume manufacturers. This shift in focus appears to be where the future lies for Scotland’s electronics industry. Scotland performs exceptionally well academically with thousands of students graduating from our institutions each year in electronics-based disciplines. The electronics industry in Scotland comprises around 900 companies, which employ an estimated 55,000 people working in research, development and production across a number of sectors. MORE INFO... www.talentscotland.com/ electronic-technologies
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FINANCIAL SERVICES Scotland is one of Europe’s leading financial services hubs and is the most complete in the UK outside London. It is recognised for its strengths in banking, life assurance and pensions, investment management and the more recently developed sector of asset servicing. Around these core businesses, other sectors have thrived, such as general insurance, corporate finance, stockbroking and the essential support of professional services, such as accountancy and law. Directly employing 96,000 people with seven of the top 20 companies in Scotland involved in financial services, it is not
INDUSTRIES
The perfect place to live and work Scotland’s reputation for innovation can also be seen from its industrial transformation from an economy based on heavy industry to one that is now based on a wide range of specialist high value sectors. Engineering is still a key strength in Scotland, helping to continue the country’s traditional skills in shipbuilding and construction, and developing new expertise in aerospace. The chemicals industry is Scotland’s biggest export earner and, in addition to bulk chemicals, it has developed considerable added-value markets in pharmaceutical and speciality products. This strategy has also proved successful in the textile industry where the focus is on design and developing luxury niche products, such as cashmere. The state is also a big employer in healthcare, through the National Health Service, and in education. in addition to schooling, higher education is offered by colleges and universities, many of which are world renowned for their research. Thanks to the Scotland’s popularity abroad, tourism is also a major industry, as is the country’s food and drink industry, whose exports hit the £1 billion mark last year. And from a country that invented the television, it’s no surprise to learn that Scotland has a strong digital media and creative industry. 5
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Made in Scotland
For such a small country, Scottish brains have produced some of the most significant inventions that have helped to shape the modern world. Here’s just a few of them: retail banking, tubular steel, criminal finger-printing, television, telephones, penicillin, antiseptics, anaesthetics, grass collecting lawnmowers, vacuum flasks, tyres, golf and marmalade!
STUDENT
Hayden heads for the Highlands Hayden Selvadurai left otago University in New Zealand for Scotland to pursue his research into cancer through a PhD at the University of Edinburgh – and he’s enjoying the experience. After gaining his masters in genetics, Hayden was not only interested in continuing his research, but to also get experience of working in an international setting. He explained: “i looked at various places abroad, but as Scotland has such a pedigree for innovation in sciences i chose to come to the University of Edinburgh. i was able to get a scholarship from the wellcome Trust and arrived in 2007 to start my PhD. Hayden said that if you’re interested in research, then Scotland’s a great place to come as there are many opportunities here to get established in science – and the links with other institutions around the world to share ideas. He’s also keen on the great outdoors and enjoys exploring Scotland. He said: “i particularly like Aviemore and the Highlands as they are very striking. But the great thing for me as a New Zealander is the ability to travel as Scotland is so centrally placed – it’s easy to get to Europe or the US.” 6
MORE INFO... For advice on moving to Scotland to work or study visit: www.talentscotland.com/ras www.talentscotland.com/ras
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Education in Scotland is all about life-long learning – so there’s plenty of ways to satisfy the thirst for knowledge
Blue sky
thinking SCOTLAND and education are
old friends. From the founding of the University of St Andrews nearly 600 years ago, to the libraries of mining and steelworking communities during the Industrial Revolution in the 1800s and on to today’s Curriculum for Excellence and cutting-edge scientific research, Scots have found their greatest wealth is knowledge. There are more than a dozen universities in Scotland, more than 40 colleges and nearly 400 secondary schools. Scotland’s primary and secondary education system follows the Curriculum For Excellence, which was launched in 2009 and aims to help youngsters between the ages of three and 18 years become successful learners, confident individuals, responsible citizens and effective contributors to society. Education in Scotland begins with very small steps taken by three-year olds who enter pre-school (sometimes known as nursery school) designed to prepare them for primary at the age of five. At pre-school, children are shown the tools they’ll need for learning; at primary school, up to the age of 12, they put these tools to use, venturing into reading and writing, learning number skills, working in groups, developing as individuals, testing their boundaries. Primary school is as much learning about oneself as it is starting to get a measure of the world around us. Scottish children attend secondary schools from the age of 12 until they are at least 16, though many continue their studies until the age of 18. For those first four years, pupils work
towards Standard Grades, the cornerstone qualifications used to determine their paths into further education and the world of work. Standard Grades are awarded by the Scottish Qualifications Authority, as are Highers, which students can take for up to two years after they achieve their Standard Grades. Highers are a path towards college and university places and demanded by many employers. Accomplishment in Highers is a foot in the door of further education, a place at college or university. Scotland’s universities are world-renowned and
“Scots have found their greatest wealth is knowledge”
four of them are among the six oldest universities in the UK. St Andrews is Scotland’s oldest, founded in 1410, Glasgow was established in 1451, Aberdeen in 1495 and Edinburgh in 1582. Recent figures suggest there are more than 275,000 people in higher education (colleges and universities) in Scotland. From Scotland’s 15 universities have come innovations such anaesthetics, cloning of mammals, keyhole surgery and a booming computer gaming industry. Scottish schools have given the world the inventors who brought us telephones, television, radar, ultrasound scanners, pneumatic tyres, fingerprinting, engineering marvels great and small. Over the next several years, the Scottish Government plans to spend £1.25 billion on renovating its schools. Since 2007, more than 300 have been renovated or rebuilt, with many more in the pipeline under the Schools For the Future programme. 7
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For a small country, Scotland has a number of chic and exciting cities, which reflect the diversity and spirit of the country
SMALL AND BEAUT Edinburgh FESTIVAL CITY The capital city of Scotland is Edinburgh. It is a diverse mix of the ancient and cutting edge. Much of the city centre is a World Heritage Site, with medieval streets watched over by its majestic castle. It is also home to the Scottish Parliament, an award-winning building that epitomises the nation’s spirit of innovation. Rich in culture, it has several world-class museums and art galleries. The city is also famous for its festivals, none more so than the International Festival and the Festival Fringe, the biggest celebration of theatre and performance in the world. Edinburgh also has a vibrant nightlife, while its popularity with tourists means it has restaurants for all tastes and budgets.
Inverness GATEWAY TO THE NORTH Inverness is Scotland’s smallest city and is the social, cultural, regional and administrative centre of the Highlands. The city has grown rapidly over recent years, attracting high-tech businesses. Tourism is also big – not surprising as the city lies at the mouth of the legendary Loch Ness.
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STYLE CAPITAL Glasgow, Scotland’s largest city, brands itself as ‘Scotland with Style’, and its rich design heritage is obvious. Iconic design from the likes of Charles Rennie Mackintosh characterise the city. It has an extensive student population, and is increasingly popular with tourists.
UTIFUL
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OF DISCOVERY
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Glasgow
Aberdeen OIL CAPITAL Aberdeen in the north east is Europe’s oil capital. Since the 1970s, it has become a thriving hub for the oil fields in the North Sea – bringing people from all over the world to live and work there. It does not take its affluence for granted, however. Aberdeen is fast becoming a centre of excellence for the alternative energies that will fuel the world when oil is gone, as well as the home to a growing life sciences industry.
Scotland’s wilderness THE GREAT OUTDOORS The great thing about Scotland is that if you live in a city you’re still never far from some of the most wonderful countryside to be found anywhere. In a few hours’ drive, you can either be in the north western Highlands and islands, which offer spectacular mountains, forests and glens (valleys), or in rolling hills and charming villages of the Borders to the south – and, of course, there’s loads more to discover in between! So whether you want to live in the fast lane, or amble along at a leisurely pace, the diversity of Scotland offers something for everyone.
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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.
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If you’re looking for somewhere to live, there are many options open to you
Home
comfort 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
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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FAMILIES
Dominic settles for Scotland “Selling agents and property solicitors will list all their properties on the same website” carries some administrative costs, from the lender providing the mortgage and the solicitor handling the legal process. Depending on the area and circumstances of the buyer,
the property may also be subject to Stamp Duty; a tax on property sales. Finding homes for sale in a particular area is simple, as selling agents and property
solicitors will often list all their properties on the same specialist websites. This allows potential buyers to search the entire market according to area, price, size and any number of other criteria. Every Scottish home sold comes with a Home Report, an independently produced document, which scores each property against set criteria. For example, if the roof will soon need maintenance, this will be highlighted in the Home Report, which also gives a market valuation for each property. DIG DEEPER...
... to the classic Scottish tenement flats in cities
For more information on finding a place to live in Scotland, visit www.talentscotland.com/ housing
Dominic Dieseru is used to international travel after working for oilfield services company Baker Hughes, but he and his family have made Scotland their home for the past few years. Dominic is Nigerian and has worked in his country’s oil industry for many years before gaining a promotion to Scotland in 2009 when he was transferred to become Customer Services Manager. Dominic is happy with his life in Scotland: “we have a nice family home, just 10km from Aberdeen, so we can enjoy the countryside but still get easy access to the city. “The children have adapted very well to their new life and schools, making lots of new friends and getting involved with lots of social activities, like football and music, and are enjoying themselves.” Now that Dominic and his family are settled, he sees quite a lot of similarities between Nigeria and Scotland. He explained: “There’s not much of a cultural difference: we Nigerians love family and have a close community, just like the Scots – and we are both passionate about football!” 11
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Lots of choice to help you get around Scotland TRANSPORT Car ownership is common in Scotland. The nation has a good road network and the annual road tax charge is based on the emissions rating of your car’s engine. Drivers must possess a Uk-recognised drivers’ licence and cars must be fully taxed, insured and, if more than three years old, have passed an MoT – a compulsory annual test of road-worthiness. Bicycles are becoming an increasingly popular alternative to cars, being cheap to run, less environmentally damaging and less prone to traffic jams. They are also an excellent way to fully enjoy Scotland’s stunning countryside. Scotland has made great progress in becoming more bicycle-friendly, with the creation of new cycle lanes and paths, as well as various schemes aimed at making bicycle ownership even more cost-effective. Scotland is covered by
“Scotland has made great progress in becoming more bicyclefriendly with the creation of new cycle lanes” 12
an excellent public transport network, with fast trains between the major cities and into England, down to London. regular local train services are also clean, fast and reliable, providing an environmentally sound and cost-effective link to all parts of the nation. Buses are the most frequently used mode of public transport in Scotland, with comprehensive local bus networks transporting 467 million passengers during 2009-2010. Buses are a great way of getting about locally, with 94 per cent of the population within a short walk of a bus stop. various groups of people qualify for free or discounted bus travel, and individual or season tickets are available on most routes. You will find various other forms of public transport used across the nation, from Glasgow’s underground metro system and the ferries, which transport goods and people between the western isles, to the “postal buses” which are still used in many remote rural areas.
The Scottish Government is keen to promote more sustainable forms of transport such as cycling
Location relocation For information about relocating to Scotland visit: www.talentscotland.com/ras
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Scotland’s impressive parliament building in Edinburgh, where MSPs use powers devolved from Westminster
PERSONAL FINANCE
Governed by a devolved parliament GOVERNMENT
SINCE 1997, Scotland has had its own parliamentary government, which has responsibility for making law in key areas, including health, education and certain aspects of public finance. Beyond these “devolved” areas, Scotland is also subject to UK law, set by the government in London. As a result, everyone living in Scotland is represented by both a Member of the Scottish Parliament (MSP) and a Member of Parliament (MP), who speaks for them at a UK level. Elections to the UK Parliament take place roughly every five years, whereas Scottish Parliamentary
elections run to a fixed timetable, every four years, on the first Thursday in May. A public vote in Scotland is expected in the next four years, to find out if voters would like to see more power given to the Scottish Parliament, or even full independence from the UK. Local services, such as rubbish collection and the upkeep of public spaces, are managed by Scotland’s 32 local councils. The public elects local councillors every four years. You do not need to be a UK citizen in order to vote, but registration is generally restricted to citizens of EU member states, the Channel Islands and British Overseas Territories living in the UK.
DIG DEEPER... Log on to www. scotland.gov.uk for more government details
Sign up for your own personal bank account As is the case in other European countries, it is very difficult to live in Scotland without a bank account. Employers prefer to pay wages directly into a bank account, and having an account makes it much easier to pay bills and other charges. Scotland has three main banks: The royal Bank of Scotland (rBS), Lloyds/HBoS and Clydesdale. Although a current account can be set up with any Uk bank, including HSBC, Barclays or the Co-operative Bank, it is worth considering whether access to a large network of Scottish branches is important to you. if you are coming from overseas and wish to open a bank account, the process should be very straightforward, assuming you have the correct documentation. Just as is the case for Uk citizens, the bank will ask to see photographic proof
of identity, such as a passport or national iD card from your country of origin. They will also ask for proof of your current address, which could be a gas or electricity bill, for example. Because of strict international money laundering rules, your application may take longer to process if you are from a country deemed to be a high risk. when the bank has accepted your application, you will be given a basic current account, which includes a cheque book and debit card. Most shops and websites accept payments by debit card, though some smaller shops may charge an extra fee for paying in this way. A debit card can also be used to withdraw money from cash machines. Unlike many countries, banking services in the Uk are usually free, as long as you stay in credit.
“Unlike many countries, banking services in the UK are usually free, as long as you stay in credit” 13
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Scotland has plenty of cultural events and sporting activities to keep you entertained all year long
Party
The world famous Edinburgh Festival Fringe attracts visitors from around the globe
people FESTIVALS
SCOTLAND’S countless festivals see thousands of people coming to the country to enjoy the very best in music, film and literature the whole year round. Every summer some of the biggest names in music descend on Balado in Kinrossshire. Audiences see bands like Coldplay and the Foo Fighters play the main stage at T in the Park – one of the most popular summer music festivals and recently voted Festival of the Year in the 2011 Music Week Awards. Other music festivals drawing the crowds are Rock Ness, with arguably the most beautiful surroundings for a festival with Loch Ness as its backdrop, and the Wickerman Festival (pictured on the front cover) with a strong folk music influence, held in Dumfries
and Galloway every year. The country also hosts a number of festivals that allow for more exposure of the Scottish arts scene such as the Aye Write! book festival in Glasgow and the international film festivals that see some of the industry’s
“Other music festivals drawing the crowds are Rock Ness, with arguably the most beautiful surroundings for a festival”
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biggest names heading to Glasgow and Edinburgh to celebrate the very best in cinema. Undoubtedly, the largest festival and one that draws the biggest international presence is the Edinburgh International Festival and the Festival Fringe. These happen every August in the city and cover everything from theatre and dance to street performances, opera, cabaret, exhibitions and comedy. DIG DEEPER... Go to www.visitscotland.com and never miss out on the fun
SCOTTISH ARTS
Scotland’s a real class act www.talentscotland.com/living
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SPORTS
Get active in the outdoors Scotland is home to a wide range of outdoor sports and leisure activities that can be enjoyed all year round. The country is famous for being a top golfing location with many high-end luxurious courses dotted around the country. Many local authorities within Scotland run ‘passport to play’ schemes that entitle you to experience a number of rounds at courses that are part of the scheme. If you prefer to take in Scotland’s stunning scenery as you enjoy the outdoors, then cycling is a great way to experience the full beauty of the country. Southern Scotland is home to 7stanes, which has trails to suit everyone. No matter what your level of experience it guarantees some of the world’s best mountain biking. If you like the idea of something more relaxing, then Scotland is also well known for its fishing. Salmon is the favourite catch of many who fish Scotland’s plentiful rivers.
Scotland boasts a rich heritage of classical music, dance and theatre that has established it as a leader in classical and contemporary performing arts. Scotland has produced some world-class acting talent such as Sean Connery and Brian Cox (pictured) as well as a new wave of actors in kelly MacDonald and James MacAvoy that have come from theatre backgrounds. This
is reflected in today’s theatre, which also nurtures home grown talent. Glasgow’s kings Theatre, Aberdeen’s His Majesty’s Theatre, The Edinburgh Playhouse and Edinburgh’s royal Lyceum Theatre have produced some of the best
original dramas as well as showing globally successful stage productions such as Legally Blonde and we will rock You. Scotland also has its own touring national ballet company, Scottish Ballet, based in Glasgow, with recent productions including a
A lot of the rivers are set within private estates where you have to obtain a licence, but you get the added bonus of fishing in some of the most striking surroundings in the world. For something more daring, you could try surfing. The east coast waters of Scotland have welcomed surfing enthusiasts since the 1960s. Thurso even hosts the annual O’Neill Highland Open Surfing Competition. It’s known as the coldest surfing contest in the world and is attended by the world’s best surfers. When winter comes, it’s time to wrap up warm, grab your skis or snowboard and decide which one of Scotland’s five ski centres in the Highlands to have fun on. Whatever the season and whatever your sporting tastes, Scotland has lots to keep you active and having fun. DIG DEEPER... Find more inspiration at www.visitscotland.com
modern reworking of Alice in wonderland. Music is ingrained in the fabric of the Scottish nation and this is made clear through its professional orchestras and classical music groups. whether it is classical music, film, literature, dance or theatre, Scotland has world-class talent that helps make it a cultural leader on the international stage.
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My Story: Christene Leiper
Call of
the wild AUSTRALIAN Christene Leiper realised that Scotland was the place for her when she stayed in rural Aberdeen while attending a medical conference back in 1998 and staying with her husband’s family. She told TalentScotland about her move from Sydney to Dundee and setting up her own clinical trials company. Tell us about your background? i’m originally from Sydney with a background in nuclear medicine. i’m an Assistant Professor in the Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences and have worked in hospitals and universities across Australia, so i’ve experience of a wide range of therapeutic areas. i completed my PhD in both Sydney and Queensland Universities developing a Positive ventilation Delivery System to diagnose Pulmonary Embolism (PE) for iCU patients that are ventilated. My work centred around the use of Technegas which is a radioactive aerosol administered to ventilated patients for the diagnosis of PE. This went on to be adopted worldwide and has saved many lives as a result. What attracted you to Scotland? Two things really: the natural beauty of the place, and the fact that my husband Stephen grew up in Scotland. we’ve known each other since we were teenagers as his parents left Edinburgh for Australia in 1969. As both Stephen and i have good experience in our fields, we were confident we would be able to find jobs in Scotland, so we left Australia for Dundee in 2003.
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“Since setting up the company it’s been all work, but we are now making time to enjoy life” How did you find working in Scotland? i have found there are lots of opportunities for people with either a life sciences or medical background. Shortly after arriving, i started work on the first Scottish Stroke Audit based at the western General Hospital and the University of Edinburgh developing standards for stroke treatment. it was great as i had to travel around the whole of Scotland and it was really satisfying later to see that so many specialised stroke units have opened up as a result of this work. After the funding finished, i worked for Marie Curie Cancer Care and then went on to work for a clinical trials company in Glasgow as Director of research. Although this company went out of business two years later, it gave Stephen and myself the motivation to be the masters of our own destiny and use our own extensive experience to start up our own business.
Scots Gaelic and perfectly illustrates our strong focus on how we conduct our business and on being a Scottish company. As a clinical trials company we support our clients by setting up and delivering Phase i to iv clinical trials covering not just drugs but also medical devices and cell-based therapeutics. we started trading in September 2010 and since then it’s taken over our lives! we’ve won contracts, but it’s a very difficult market so networking and attending conferences, as well as applying for European Commission FP7 research funding projects, has really helped to get our profile known in the market. So how have you found living in Scotland? Since setting up the company it’s been all work, but we are now making time to enjoy life, like taking big walks in the countryside at the weekend. After all, it’s the main reason we decided to come and live in Scotland! DIG DEEPER... For information on all you need to know about living, working and studying in Scotland, visit: www.talentscotland.com
How has your business developed? The company is called onorach, which means “honest, honourable and plain dealing” in
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