10 things we LOVE about living in the UK - American in Scotland

[@MerrisWilliams]

As a real American native American Choctaw nation at13 I moved to the uk to live with my dad i love it here history culture i had a great education i have great mates , id have never had a start in life in America my dad made sure i had one here ,

[@SimpleScottishLiving]

Thank you for sharing your experience! We feel so grateful to be here ❤️

[@tenniskinsella7768]

Lovely comment

[@cinziam457]

I would love to move to the UK but after Brexit, my EU passport no longer allows it :(

[@WookieWarriorz]

@@cinziam457 it definitely shouldnt be too hard, you should look into it more or contact organizations/ look for jobs or transfers to the uk. Im northern irish so im fortunate to have both an eu and british passport and can live and work in both eu and uk. I love the uk personally and dont plan on moving anytime soon. (although i spend like 2 months a year at my families home in barcelona haha)

[@nichotto]

@@cinziam457Hopefully with a Labour win things will become less toxic but political life in the U.K. is horrendously depressing. 25% of those who voted on the 4th July voted for the Conservative regime after 14 years of ineptitude and blatant corruption and cronyism (!), and millions voted for the openly racist reactionary Reform Party. I feel more uncomfortable with my fellow Brits than ever before. I have dual EU Brit nationality, born in Argyll, Scotland to an irish father and a German mother. I think of myself as Scottish European. If I had the finances I would move tomorrow to a more forward thinking modern European country. Yes I know fascism is rising in certain countries of Europe but still in comparison… I should add. I have a very European family. My brother’s partner is Dutch. One nephew’s wife is half French. Both have experienced anti EU rhetoric and blatant xenophobia. My nephew’s wife speaks English without an accent, she sounds southern English, so passes as a Brit. She’s experienced undiluted anti French and EU xenophobia. Folks had no idea they were talking to a Parisienne. My brother’s partner got the, “ It’s not you. it’s those others ( immigrants )”. Sadly she had enough, ‘being a foreigner’ and returned to the Netherlands.

[@chrisbingham3289]

Brit here. I love Americans, because you come here and appreciated the things we so take for granted.

[@SimpleScottishLiving]

Zach also took for granted so much, but he’s appreciating it all again with fresh eyes now that’s he’s back. We feel so fortunate to be able to raise our family here! It’s been many years in the making, and it’s absolutely worth everything we’ve had to do to get to this point ❤️

[@chrisbingham3289]

@@SimpleScottishLiving Hope you and your family have a prosperous and healthy life.💕God bless for now.👍

[@scotsquine7870]

A Scot here. We also appreciate the things that you do and we don’t take them for granted.

[@thedisabledwelshman9266]

@@SimpleScottishLiving do u think that you will stay in the uk permanently?

[@SimpleScottishLiving]

@@thedisabledwelshman9266 We plan to! The safety is a huge consideration, and we have family right down the road. It’s hard to beat that.

[@lolalouise9503]

I wish everyone that comes to live in the UK were as appreciative as you guys.

[@SimpleScottishLiving]

Thank you! We feel extremely fortunate to raise our family here. Couldn’t be happier ❤️

[@carla2012app]

We have visited Scotland several times to attend our Clan Gatherings, and to explore the country. We love all of it! If I could live anywhere other than the USA, I would choose Scotland, which is what drew me to your channel Zach and Annie.

[@stanleyparkin7718]

I'm bred and born in northeast of England in the county of Durham where I've lived all my life it's my piece of heaven and I've loved watching zack and Annie's video fantastic if zack and Annie want to see something really interesting then they come to beamish open museum it tells the history of my county its building that have been knocked down in other parts and build back up brick by brick I've seen lot of American people there over the years and they think it's awesome it's a must see ha ❤❤

[@roppa789]

I also wish the majority of Brits appreciated our country instead of throwing hands in the air about how awful everything is now. It really isn’t so bad but if you sit scrolling through social media all day then it’s no wonder you get depressed.

[@jonrichards7678]

Indeed. Have same values and don't want to change the country to that they left.

[@debsvalentin]

Congrats on your move to Scotland! My husband is French and I’m American. We now live in Scotland. Beauty everywhere, I agree. Life is so much slower here. Simplicity at its best.

[@SimpleScottishLiving]

Thank you! Always nice to hear from others, who have been through a similar experience ❤️

[@stanleyparkin7718]

Wow how lovely ❤❤

[@stanleyparkin7718]

Liked ❤❤

[@ebikelife55]

I am a Scot who lived in Florida and worked as a Nurse. I came home because I missed the beautiful land, the NHS, and education system. The NHS payed for most of my degree & Masters. I missed the sense of humour. Would like to know what you think of the NHS & education system. I also missed the world news (only knew what was happening in Florida). I like the dark winter nights, so cosy. Good Luck!

[@SimpleScottishLiving]

Haven’t had to use the NHS yet, but thankful we have the option! I can’t fault the education system. So impressed by the quality!

[@ashleyupshall7641]

@@ebikelife55 well said.

[@grantw7]

We were surprised to see dogs in restaurants and were impressed by the politeness of the young people in Scotland. I wanted to wear a body cam to capture all the beauty.

[@SimpleScottishLiving]

@@grantw7 agreed!

[@ElaineR66]

I can’t believe how Zach picked up an American accent so quickly but thankfully I can hear the 🏴󠁧󠁢󠁳󠁣󠁴󠁿twang coming back.

[@SimpleScottishLiving]

It’s slowly finding its way back! 😅

[@ElaineR66]

@@SimpleScottishLiving before you know it your bairns will be “fluent” too! 🏴󠁧󠁢󠁳󠁣󠁴󠁿☺️

[@drewbewho]

​@@SimpleScottishLivingdo some americans assume he's canadian?

[@SimpleScottishLiving]

@@drewbewho Not that we’ve noticed! Usually just think he’s American until he says garage or water 😂

[@norniea]

I believe he lived in the states a total of 16 years, so it probably took him a while to acquire the American accent. Its fun to see how his Scottish accent comes back but by bit in each video.

[@patriciabradford807]

Love your videos. I’m a Californian who just returned from my first visit to Scotland. At age 75, I may be too late in life to move there, but the urge is real. ❤️

[@SimpleScottishLiving]

It does pull you in! Thanks for watching ❤️

[@SimpleScottishLiving]

Couldn’t be happier to be here! ❤️🏴󠁧󠁢󠁳󠁣󠁴󠁿

[@kevinwhite981]

I love seeing Americans coming here and appreciating our country, great video.

[@SimpleScottishLiving]

We absolutely love it here! Actually back in Zach’s hometown at the moment, so it’s been great experiencing all of his childhood memories with our own kids ❤️ Thank you for watching!

[@tonymiddlehurst8438]

I love these videos. Admittedly they present a somewhat idealised picture because the couple are experiencing some of the nicest parts of the country but they serve to remind us how lucky we are in the UK.

[@SimpleScottishLiving]

Thank you! This is true, and the weather is making it even more idyllic. We hope our love for living here doesn’t fade for a long, long time ❤️

[@kernow9324]

Zach and Annie, you have quickly become my guilty pleasure. Your enthusiasm is infectious. I have visited Scotland many times and was always blown away by its beauty and the friendliness of the Scots. That was in Glasgow and Edinburgh. However, I had a few encounters on Skye with some locals who were very anti-English, but obviously the vast majority of Scots are wonderful. Liked and subscribed.

[@SimpleScottishLiving]

Awe, thanks and happy to have you along! We’ve only had positive encounters so far and hope it continues. Sorry to hear that you’ve experienced that. You’d be nothing but welcomed here!!

[@darkstarr2321]

Unfortunately you can encounter imbeciles anywhere

[@mishaearle]

I just moved two weeks ago though I lived in England before 20 yrs ago. I love Scotland. Life is looking and feeling so good right now. I’m forever grateful to this wonderful country. Scotland forever. ❤🏴󠁧󠁢󠁳󠁣󠁴󠁿

[@SimpleScottishLiving]

Right there with you! It’s wonderful ❤️

[@SuperJonny543]

As a Scotsman living aborad, you guys are making me relive everything I love my country, I've subscribed !!

[@SimpleScottishLiving]

Awe, thank you! Glad we can bring you a bit of nostalgia!

[@Technotombomb]

I can hear both of your accents in each other, it's beautiful and the clear recognition of happiness between you. Rare thing, keep hold of that

[@SimpleScottishLiving]

Thank you! 😊 ❤️

[@cactusflowerrr]

Yes! the tap water in Scotland! Better than any filtered water I’ve ever had in California. Love your content! Keep the videos coming y’all!

[@LB-my1ej]

A queue is sacrosanct in the UK as is polite driving.

[@amnril]

Britain as a whole has a freedom to roam culture where land owners maintain pathways for public use. Love it when I see people who have chosen to live in the UK embrace our way of life and appreciate it.

[@SimpleScottishLiving]

We couldn’t be happier here truly!

[@frglee]

England has more signposted footpaths than Scotland but you are generally expected to keep to them. Here there are plenty of paths and tracks too, many unsignposted, but you can wander off them if you want.

[@PorridgeDrawers]

No. Very wrong. England has marked routes for rambling, not roaming. Scotland, you are free to walk anywhere. No gates. No marked paths, although trails are marked. In Scotland you can walk anywhere.

[@djs98blue]

@@PorridgeDrawerspretty sure right to roam does effectively exist in England and Wales but only in designated upland areas - eg Dartmoor, Snowdonia etc. I think technically it’s called open access land. Marked in yellow shade on OS maps. Otherwise just footpaths etc.

[@amnril]

@@PorridgeDrawers well not exactly ‘very wrong’’, just different and I suppose that’s is due to the one fundamental difference between Scotland and England, one of population density and how habitable the land is. Being able to freely roam in Scotland makes sense in that respect. Having a network of footpaths makes sense for England.

[@MB-fz7lx]

Great video 😊 I believe that a UK house not having a kettle is actually against the law…….or blasphemy……..or maybe both 🤷🏼‍♂️😂😂

[@zoek9574]

Rightly, it should be a treasonable offence

[@patriciakeogh5008]

If it isn’t a law, then it should be 😁

[@Paul_Allaker8450]

Or a red flag that you've entered the house of a serial killer! 😂😂

[@marg147]

I’m pretty sure you can be exiled for that.

[@ebikescrapper3925]

If you get visitors and don't have a kettle you will always be shamed.

[@northernsteph]

Enjoying your videos. We did a similar(but different) thing with our 3 boys almost 20 years ago. I'm Canadian and met my Yorkshire husband ( while travelling in Africa). Short version...he moved to Canada and we've lived in very remote places -(he's a teacher)and raised 3 boys and then decided to take a year away(not as big a commitment as you) and we returned to the UK and did some backpacking through Europe etc. as well. Our boys were 8,11 and 14. How amazing an experience it was for them,raised in Baffin Island and then in the Yukon-BC wilderness, to experience life,(and go to school) in the UK and Europe. We did return to our life in Canada,which we love. But fast forward almost 20 years and our boys are huge explorers of the world,and one met a German gal on his travels and now lives there and speaks fluent German. Never underestimate what seeing and living in other parts of the world will gift you. Now in retirement we will look to living for months at a time in the UK,including Scotland with home exchanges. Exchange seeing bears daily for good sausages!😅

[@SimpleScottishLiving]

Thank you for taking the time to share! We love hearing other people’s stories and experiences. Sounds like you gave your children a wonderful life ❤️ we hope to do the same. Thank you for watching!

[@johncowie3092]

Travel is everything

[@pomme800]

Electric kettles are very common in Canada....Love mine that shuts off automatically :))) Glad you landed on your feet and enjoying Scotland now that you all feel better...

[@SimpleScottishLiving]

@@pomme800 That’s a great feature! Loving having one here. It’s a game changer!

[@blotski]

I read something once about guns that made me feel a little sad for the USA. In 1996 there was a terrible school shooting involving young children in Dunblane, Scotland. The UK was so shocked and traumatised by it that it lead to an immediate toughening of the gun laws, which have never been questioned since but also a negative attitude to guns in general. Contrary to what Americans believe, guns are not illegal in the UK. Some guns are illegal but it's just that ownership is highly regulated. But there is also just no general interest in them apart from pest control or sports. In contrast, a similar tragedy happened in the USA in Sandy Hook in 2012 but nothing really changed. There has never been a school shooting in the UK in the 28 years since Dunblane yet there have been over 200 school shootings in the USA in the 12 years since Sandy Hook. It is as though America has lost its ability to be shocked.

[@Trebor74]

Slightly wrong that nothing has really changed. Gym sales have gone through the roof and they want to arm the teachers,etc.

[@georgedyson9754]

There is a very strong gun culture in the US which, I suppose, dates back to revolutionary times when the Constitution framers wanted to prevent the government from becoming too powerful by legalising 'well regulated militia' from the population, in the second amendment. This has been recently re-interpreted by the Supreme Court to mean that every citizen has the right to own a fire arm. Sure there can be regulations limiting that ownership, but very strong pro-gun lobbies by organisations such as the NRA (National Rifle Association) have made politicians reluctant to make strict regulations or risk not being elected.

[@raystewart3648]

​@@georgedyson9754 When a Mass Shooting happens in the US its reported on the News and online for a few weeks, then theres nothing. It seems even the people of America are just not shocked by it any more.

[@bjdefilippo447]

Same thing down under. Sadly, it seems that US lawmakers seem more committed to guns than children.

[@glastonbury4304]

Basically in the US they've become desensitised towards guns and murder...

[@davekemp750]

One reason kettles are used everywhere in the UK is the speed of boiling due to having a 230 volt system, it's just not achievable on a 110 volt system. Regarding driving, I have a friend who comes from Chicago to visit me here in Yorkshire and he was amazed that people wave you through or flash the lights to let you go and then there the thank you and acknowledgement from both parties. Real eye opener for him. Just found your channel this morning and binge watched them all. Great addition to my sub list and looking forward to more

[@SimpleScottishLiving]

Thank you for sharing your experience and for the info. Makes perfect sense. We appreciate you tuning in ❤️

[@kumasenlac5504]

Yorkshire - home of the 'Wensleydale Wave' in which any courtesy by another driver is acknowledged by uncurling the index figure momentarily. (o:

[@Lily_The_Pink972]

​@@SimpleScottishLivingThat's why your hairdryer etc get hotter too

[@persona250]

America uses 240v and 120v in its homes . A 2kw kettle would use more current at 120v for the same boiling time . They don’t have kettles due to not drinking tea .

[@thedeewolf]

Welcome to the UK guys...U won't regret it!!!

[@SimpleScottishLiving]

We’re loving it so far!

[@judithcressey1682]

Wouldn't be so sure. Not good timing.

[@annasutton8078]

Scotland is beautiful, the people are warm and friendly.

[@SimpleScottishLiving]

Agreed!

[@Shoomer1988]

"We don't get earthquakes, because we don't deserve them" - Al Murray.

[@babalonkie]

Wales: Are we a joke to you? (They get frequent earthquakes).

[@daveofyorkshire301]

@@babalonkie the UK has almost unnoticeable earthquakes. But we do get them, most just sleep through them.

[@babalonkie]

@@daveofyorkshire301 Still making Al Murrays "We don't get earthquakes" very inaccurate. Sleeping through an Earthquake is not normal... unless you are from UK lol... I slept through a 6.1 in Greece once... apparently the beds looked possessed. I had no idea until i turned on the news.

[@daveofyorkshire301]

@@babalonkie UK earthquakes are insignificant 99% of the time. It's more of a minor cough than a notable shake, not really worthy of the name earthquake, hence the joke he made, factually and technically incorrect, but aesthetically very different from the real things. _the strongest earthquake recorded in the UK was a magnitude 6.1 earthquake that occurred on June 7, 1931, in the Dogger Bank area of the North Sea, approximately 60 miles off the Yorkshire coast_ Dogger bank is the Land Bridge between the UK and mainland europe that disappeared under the sea about 8,000 years ago, our great flood. _In the UK, most earthquakes are small, with a magnitude of less than 3.0_

[@babalonkie]

@@daveofyorkshire301 A 3.0 Earthquake is NOT insignificant... and there are over 20 3.0+'s per year in the UK... The UK gets earthquakes... earthquakes that will throw you, your property and your house side to side violently.

[@icecoldcabbage4329]

I am so so pleased you are feeling at home here in Scotland, I love my country the people are the best people you could ever hope to meet, even when I go on holiday or I’m away for any extended time I always can’t wait to get home, we don’t have the weather 🌦️ but on the 3 days we do get it there’s no nicer place to be in the world, I recommend heading up to loch fyne or further a field the views and the scenery, are second to none. And a big welcome to Scotland from me I hope you and your family have the best lives here

[@SimpleScottishLiving]

Thank you for the warm welcome. We honestly couldn’t feel more grateful to be over here and having the opportunity to raise our children here. We will definitely venture that way once we’re settled! Thank you ❤️

[@zthechainz]

I'm so glad you both are here in the UK 🇬🇧 We are very lucky to have you both. You seem wonderful people.

[@SimpleScottishLiving]

@@zthechainz Thank you for taking the time to leave such a kind comment ❤️ We’re extremely grateful to be here.

[@beemybabi]

I’m in the US and grew up in Southern California; we use kettles often. I do not use a microwave and make my own salad dressing. I am very much into non processed foods too though. I need to move to the UK 😊😂 looking forward to your videos.

[@nevillemason6791]

I checked a certain US online retailer (begins with 'A') and found all kettles on sale are only 1500 watts power. In the UK those on sale are 2200 or 3000 watts so we can make our cups of tea a lot quicker as the water boils in half the time. I think this lower wattage is down to the lower US voltage. I noticed when I was there that the flex connecting electrical appliance is twice the thickness as back home (makes sense to carry the same load). I'm surprised you don't use a microwave. Despite the climate, I've never owned a clothes dryer. Only 57% of UK households own one. It's much higher in the US, even though it's a much hotter and dryer climate.

[@beemybabi]

@@nevillemason6791 I don’t mind the wait for the kettle. I fell in love with the concept when I was in Europe and have just used them more since. I don’t “nuke” my food 🙃 I reheat on stovetop and I DO use my toaster or oven to warm food back up. I am guilty of having a dryer; since I live in a major city there is no room to hang clothes on a line (I’m ready to leave it behind).

[@SimpleScottishLiving]

Thanks for sharing! You’d fit it well over here for sure!!

[@MoodyMarco-vj3oe]

@@nevillemason6791 yeah, wattage is just volts multiplied by amps, so if you have much lower voltage you'll have much lower wattage if it's drawing a similar amount of current (amps)

[@hammersteve2746]

My best wishes to you on your new adventure. Being from England I've always thought Scotland is one of the most beautiful countries on earth. The scenery is just fantastic......and if you are lucky enough to be able to take advantage of that lifestyle, you are very fortunate indeed. ..I hope Annie finds the adjustment relatively easy.....she looks and sounds an absolute diamond girl.....👍🤩

[@SimpleScottishLiving]

Thank you for the kind words! We are loving it here so far, and the kids are happy. It feels good to know that this is where we get to raise them for the rest of their childhood ❤️

[@johnlaws5231]

Great to meet you guys, we stay on the High Street in North Berwick and our daughter and her wife stay in San Francisco, we've been across to pond 5 times but are always glad when we can see the Bass Rock, though from our apartment we can see the lighthouse on the Isle of May, and across to Burnt Island in the kingdom of Fife, all between the Post Sorting Office chimneys. We have a garden 100' x 25' through to St Andrews Street complete with 8 apple trees.

[@SimpleScottishLiving]

This sounds heavenly, and we absolutely adore North Berwick. Our children love your coastline and paddling pool especially when the tide is out. Thank you for watching ❤️

[@michwinspear6005]

Zacs Scottish accent is definitely getting stronger as the vlogs go on 😊

[@SimpleScottishLiving]

So happy to hear this! We were hoping for a quick return 🤣❤️

[@tucoramirez3333]

Och aye the noo jimmy - am fair scunnered so am ur so am gonnae go fur a lie doon

[@tucoramirez3333]

Tomorrow 21st June is the longest day of the year - dark about 11pm and light again at about 330am

[@SimpleScottishLiving]

@@tucoramirez3333 oh wow, thank you for the heads up!

[@LilHazey2.0]

Welcome! We’re proud and happy to have you and your family with us!! ❤❤❤

[@SimpleScottishLiving]

Thank you ❤️🏴󠁧󠁢󠁳󠁣󠁴󠁿

[@LilHazey2.0]

@@SimpleScottishLiving apologies about the weather though. Summer usually lands on a wednesday and lasts for two days 😂😂😂😂❤️🏴󠁧󠁢󠁳󠁣󠁴󠁿🤝🇺🇸

[@SimpleScottishLiving]

🤣🤣 We’ve been lucky with the weather where we’ve been fortunately. I know the luck has to run out at some point though ha!

[@roslinney4285]

Loving your channel, you are so refreshing. Don't forget us here in Wales, fellow celts

[@SimpleScottishLiving]

We cannot wait to explore Wales but unfortunately have not yet had the opportunity to visit yet. Anything we must do there?!

[@roslinney4285]

@SimpleScottishLiving hopefully in time you can. If you can you have to see Scotland play Wales at rugby in Cardiff, no experience like it. Cardiff a great capital but our coastline is great too.

[@AlSnoopsReid]

I noticed the Bass Rock at 2:21; do you live in East Lothian? I was brought up in Haddington, which is/was the market town of E. Lothian. I just noticed a shot of Haddington. Just next to where you took the video of Peffers Place there is a hotel called the Plough. My parents owned that when it was just a pub, from 1964 to 1978. Memories flooding back!!

[@SimpleScottishLiving]

Wow, I love hearing all of this. You should reach out by email :) Zach’s family is in EL, so we’ve been staying with them while we get our bearings. Thanks for watching ❤️

[@fionasharp595]

Aw my family are from East Lothian (Haddington, Pencaitland, East Saltoun), I’m from Edinburgh originally. (In Wales). I love going back home and seeing family there. It’s an amazing county and you will have a wonderful life there.

[@SimpleScottishLiving]

Thanks for watching! We love EL but can’t wait to share all the other places we visit as well. Hopefully, it will be Wales not too long from now ❤️

[@fionasharp595]

@@SimpleScottishLiving You need to see the Gower, Pembrokeshire, Pen y Fan and Snowdonia lol. Not much - Wales is breathtaking

[@SimpleScottishLiving]

@@fionasharp595 Yes! Thank you for the suggestions. I hope it’s sooner rather than later that we make it your way.

[@heatherdutschke8591]

We are an Australian couple and spent all of September in Scotland this year. We can relate to everything you said, noticing a lot of the same things. We absolutely loved our time there, and left a little piece of our hearts behind in Scotland 🥹

[@SimpleScottishLiving]

It really is a special place! Thanks for sharing and for watching ❤️

[@georgedyson9754]

I also watch a video series 'Adventures and Naps' which is by a Canadian who moved from Ontario, Canada to Kent in England. She has been living in the UK for eight years now, but so many of her comments match yours. She also gives a lot of information to those moving to the UK about life in the UK and some of its differences that you have to cope with. I am a Brit who over 50 years ago went the other way to Canada, but I find those who moved from North America who settle in the UK enlightening and also bring back many of the differences I remember from my childhood! Everywhere has pluses and minuses, I suppose, but Britain certainly has its quirks that North Americans either enjoy or scratch their heads about. I suppose it is partly what makes the UK 'interesting.'

[@SimpleScottishLiving]

Thanks for sharing about your experience! It’s something that you truly have to go through to understand :) I’ve seen a few Adventure and Naps - fantastic!!

[@georgedyson9754]

@@SimpleScottishLiving Thanks for your reply - I will certainly keep watching to see how you get along!

[@RockyBobbieBuster]

Can't beat Allana, adventures and naps is so funny and beautiful at the same time 👌

[@SimonDanson]

I watch Adventures and Naps also. She points out something you did mention but can get bothersome if you don't prepare for it when it gets dark. She has a SAD lamp for winter. It can get very dark especially when the snow is on the ground and you go out to work in the dark and trudge back through the snow in the cold and dark in the evening. Should be OK in the winter though if you prepare for it. She says she likes yorksher tea to help.

[@ronakio]

Good to see you guys enjoying your new life.

[@Francis-xl2gu]

The more you walk, the more you want too, Love Live Scotland !!

[@SimpleScottishLiving]

Agreed! Annie’s absolute favorite thing!

[@ducatiman1309]

So good to hear your observations folks !!! I was worried it might be too much of a culture shock !! XX

[@SimpleScottishLiving]

We LOVE it!! Our kids couldn’t be happier. Thank you for watching ❤️

[@irishinusa1615]

Enjoying your vlogs and congratulations on your move to Scotland 😊 Schools are exceptional, and certainly, the experience will be rewarding. Weather is one of the biggest challenges. You got this 👍 ❤❤

[@SimpleScottishLiving]

We couldn’t be more grateful for this opportunity. It is definitely the right decision for our family.

[@salibaba]

Yes and unlike the whole carry-on down south, we don’t have the “good schools” mentality. All the schools operate to the same curriculum and are stringently assessed. It is public money after all, not to be squandered.

[@GodsSoldier33]

Zach's accent is falling back into place! lol love it! Yes the water! you can also drink out of their natural springs in the Highlands. Scotland is SO beautiful. I would never make it to my destination if I was headed out! lol I would end up roaming or gazing for hours at the in-between from point A to B! LOL Yes love the safety over there. Lack of guns. I hope that NEVER changes! So many positives Scotland has over many countries. I just hope EVERYONE do not get to keen on that and decide to move over there! lol I am a fan of the longer sunlight days and the darker winters. love rain and cold and windy as well. Scotland's weather is perfect for me minus the midges! lol If I can handle Chicago's feels like negative 25 winters ..I can handle Scotland. I love a place I can wear a light jacket always lol Nothing like a windy breezy atmosphere. Have you guys encounter the Honesty boxes out there yet? Locals leave there items for purchase along the roadways and you take and leave the money there in . Also Scotland has a "free to roam anywhere law" that's wo awesome!

[@SimpleScottishLiving]

Thanks for sharing! Yes, we absolutely love so many aspects and fill grateful to be here. I’ll have to ask Zach about the honesty boxes. How cool ❤️

[@lorrainemclean3914]

I too really appreciate the driving etiquette, so less stressful……but the buying a house…..yikes that was a baptism of fire….the shenanigans were something else!!!!

[@bjdefilippo447]

Can you elaborate on the shenanigans? I'm considering it, but the auction process is something I'm not familiar with.

[@lorrainemclean3914]

@@bjdefilippo447 I found real estate agents total liars with no consequences as the system is not transparent, no mls so no comps history etc. sellers can agree then change their minds no consequences. Lawyers and contracts are protracted and take forever. I’ve heard Scottish system is unique and can be tricky. Look into Phil Spencer from show location location location. He can be a good source of information on the buying process. Good luck 👍

[@SimpleScottishLiving]

This is true! Took us by surprise for sure. The blind bid system was the most stressful experience.

[@zedzeduk]

@@bjdefilippo447 Most houses are priced in Scotland as "offers over £xxx,xxx". The house will be valued at a specific price, but people essentially make "blind bids" (their highest and best offer, basically) on a specific day, and the highest price wins. e.g. "Offer over £250k". The house is valued at £260k (by a 3rd party). Person 1 bids £270k. Person 2 Bids £262k, Person 3 bids £260k. All bids are sealed so no one knows what anyone else is bidding .. and in this case, Person 1 wins, and pays £270k. i.e. £10k /more/ than the house is officially valued at, and £8k more than the next closest bidder. All bids are final, and while you can "back out" if you win, the seller can come after you for all the fees required to re-list the house etc.

[@sadierocks6706]

@@SimpleScottishLivingThat’s a Scottish thing and not done, in general, in England and Wales.

[@duanetrivett750]

You two get along so well it isn't surprising that this has been a good move for your family. I hope your lives are always this good .

[@SimpleScottishLiving]

Thank you for the kind words 😊

[@davidrhodes5245]

No dinosaurs in Scotland ?…. Don’t tell Nessie that 😂😂

[@kumasenlac5504]

There are dinosaur footprints on the Isle of Skye.

[@stoobydootoo4098]

I've been out with Scottish girls - some of them were monsters! Luckily I look like Brad Pitt (albeit in thedark)

[@mikeoxlong4110]

​@@kumasenlac5504😂

[@peckelhaze6934]

The wild Haggis is a potential danger though.

[@craftyclaira]

You must try Pork and Apple or Pork and caramelised Onion sausages- far superior to the standard type. Also Hagis..I'm from the Sth Coast of England (Bournemouth) but I love Hagis, neeps and tatties!

[@SimpleScottishLiving]

Will do!!

[@brucewilson4350]

Or in Gàidhlig, tàgeis, snèap agus buntàta

[@primalengland]

I’ve just come across you guys. Instant sub. I’m a UK creator from Lancashire who’s channel concentrates on slow, peaceful living. I love your enthusiasm. Have a beautiful life in Scotland, or I will set the dogs on you. ❤️

[@SimpleScottishLiving]

Thank you for the warm welcome! Can’t wait to check out your channel. It sounds like something we’d both enjoy as that’s exactly what we strive for. It’s been chaotic since moving, but we truly hope to achieve a sense of calm and raise our children with a slower pace.

[@rubywilkins8846]

A Scottish Soul, never leaves and will keep bringing you back .. I returned 3 years ago and I'm very glad I did. ❤

[@SimpleScottishLiving]

No regrets here either!

[@Sunworshiper-l7z]

👋 welcome back to Scotland. I just came across your channel. It is interesting to get outside perspectives on our culture and country. It is funny, you say we are polite drivers, I have noticed driving has gotten more aggressive. Our councils also make it hard for parking in cities, especially Glasgow. Square sausage is the best, not very healthy but very tasty. I hope you settle quickly and enjoy your experience here in Scotland. We are not a bad bunch lol

[@SimpleScottishLiving]

We love it here and are so grateful for our new life! Thanks for the warm welcome ❤️

[@Sunworshiper-l7z]

You are welcome. If you need any advice about anything, Scottish, we are here to offer support. Enjoy your adventures

[@SimpleScottishLiving]

Thank you ❤️

[@seanmc1351]

Hi guys, hoping your all settling well, and enjoying your new life, loving your vlogs and the way your do them, great job

[@SimpleScottishLiving]

Thank you for the kind words and taking the time to leave them ❤️ So glad you’re enjoying. It’s been extremely fun to make these and to share with others. The beauty is incredible.

[@henryhooper6638]

Good luck you two. I dare say you’ll miss the sunshine, but other than that, I fully understand your desire to move to Scotland/ Europe. It’ll be good for the quality of life of your kids and that’s the most important thing of course.

[@SimpleScottishLiving]

We wholeheartedly agree! Loving it so far ❤️

[@michellemaine2719]

I felt Annie's enthusiasm when I moved to Northern England 6 years ago and still haven't lost my awe of the stunning countryside and gardens. Northumberland, Durham, Yorkshire are my favourites so far, but there is still so much I haven't seen (thanks Covid). I am completely and utterly in love with the UK and our lives here. Winter darkness throws you for a loop too, vitamin D is your friend! I love how well trained and behaved so many dogs are in the UK. I suspect it is because they are socialised, and allowed to go to many public places, including pubs :) My husband's iced tea habit is very frowned upon here, but he does use Yorkshire tea to make it. Has Annie tried the infamous haggis? I always find I need to add some pepper, but like the whisky sauce.

[@SimpleScottishLiving]

Thank you for taking the time to share your experience. Love hearing positive stories from people who have been through this. Yes, love the haggis just can’t eat too much as it tends to expand in my stomach!!

[@user-man-now80]

Smashing video. Glad to see that you are beginning to settle down and feel at home. It looks really nice where you are . Thanks again .

[@SimpleScottishLiving]

Thank you!!

[@night3096]

13:36 reminded me mentioning kettles, about this video that made me laugh at so much to do with making tea

[@night3096]

kzbin.info/www/bejne/pojZkGukhMiBjqcsi=yEHBSQVw7cTXKfYK

[@TwinMumDiary]

Love this 🥰 saw your bio & totally agree ‘enjoying the richness of life with less’ we don’t need lots of possessions and things. Definitely about family, time together, experiences❤️

[@SimpleScottishLiving]

Absolutely! Thanks for joining. It’s all about giving our kids the best life possible without the outside influences, which start all too early. Wishing you and your family well ❤️

[@colinmcgregor123]

Welcome to 'living' in SCOTLAND 👍

[@SimpleScottishLiving]

Thank you!!

[@colinmcgregor123]

@@SimpleScottishLiving And thank you for choosing to live in Scotland, a nation which is part of but is not the Uk

[@colinmcgregor123]

Remember Scotland uses a St Andrews Cross as its flag, not a union jack

[@SimpleScottishLiving]

@@colinmcgregor123 We’ll be better about using the most appropriate flag for what we’re discussing :) Thank you for the reminder and for tuning in ❤️

[@KevinEllis-b2p]

Annie. You must try Cullen Skink soup. Its my favourite. Im sure you'll love it. 🇬🇧

[@SimpleScottishLiving]

Can’t wait - will do!!

[@neilmurrell281]

My favourite soup it's gorgeous 😋

[@marielynch2858]

Hi there. Came across a couple of you videos just today ..... I'm originally from Liverpool, but have lived in Como ( there's a lake!) in northern Italy for forty years this year. My brother and his family live on the west coast of Scotland ( Dumfries and Galloway) and my sister's family live in Perthshire, so over the years I've spent lot's of holidays there. As an expatriate I can totally relate to the differences your describing and indeed as the years have passed and my Italian sons, of 25 and 27, have grown up, I feel the pull of my roots even stronger. Looking forward to hearing about your move and experiences, lots of luck. Ciao.

[@SimpleScottishLiving]

Thank you for sharing your experience! It’s nice when people can relate. Glad to have you in this community! ❤️

[@neilburns8869]

Welcome home Zach, and glad to see that Annie is enjoying living in Scotland so much.

[@lolalouise9503]

Yeah, kettles and usually matching toasters are definitely a staple in the UK. It’s like the first thing that you buy when you move into a new place or leave home for the first time.

[@ahighlander7278]

Get a hot tap in your kitchen, absolute game changer! Use what you need - Quooker, Franke, just brilliant.

[@MonicaLindberg-nf9gj]

Love seeing your adventures! Will be following along ❤️

[@traceymcdowall1908]

Just binge watched your videos and Zach’s Scottish accent is coming back quickly 😊🏴󠁧󠁢󠁳󠁣󠁴󠁿

[@SimpleScottishLiving]

Yes! 🙌

[@kumasenlac5504]

2:17 ...made with so much... stone (o: 13:40 The problem with kettles in the US is the low mains voltage which is effectively half that of the UK. 14:53 Cullen Skink - a small lizard found in NE Scotland which is the basis of the world's best soup.

[@SimpleScottishLiving]

🤣

[@helenwood8482]

So glad you are enjoying life here.

[@SimpleScottishLiving]

Thank you! It’s been a welcome change!

[@margaretstein7555]

Great video you are a lovely couple I’m sure you will do very well with your channel love from Scotland ❤

[@SimpleScottishLiving]

Thank you for taking the time to comment. We appreciate the kind words!

[@markfour2841]

Yes, you will certainly discover darkness in the winter, along with damp and cold ! 😅

[@kyotocoversjimanderson782]

Nice, thanks! Ha ha, when you said "kettle,", I thought it was going to be about cows (cattle)!

[@SimpleScottishLiving]

🤣

[@neilburns8869]

I can appreciate Zak's perspective, because when I was just 14 my Mum and my brother and I went to join my Dad who was living and working out in Doha, Qatar. We flew out in April 1987, but we're forced to return to the UK by December 1987. It's definitely one of those things, where you don't really appreciate what it is that you have until you lose it or it's not there. Absence does make the heart grow fonder.

[@SimpleScottishLiving]

This is so true! It’s actually nice getting to see Zach experience his home again with fresh eyes and a greater appreciation. The kids definitely pick up on it ❤️

[@keithlillis7962]

I'm willing to bet that every home in the UK has a kettle. Also, being polite and politely queuing is UK-wide.

[@SimpleScottishLiving]

Love this!

[@salibaba]

We got an induction hob and use that with a whistling kettle now. I still cling to the emergency kettle buried in the cupboard just Incase. I mean what if the hob stops working. . .

[@ducatiman1309]

It is fascinating to hear your observations - thanks folks !! X

[@SimpleScottishLiving]

Thank you for watching ❤️

[@stroobzz6754]

Nc500, Cairngorms national park, whisky trails are definitely a must, welcome 🏴󠁧󠁢󠁳󠁣󠁴󠁿

[@SimpleScottishLiving]

Thank you!! Can’t wait to explore more!

[@alangauld6079]

And don't forget the South - Galloway for example is an amazing area with great coasts and mountains and lots of quaint towns that don't yet have all the usual high street stores dominating the streets.

[@AlSnoopsReid]

I have some advice for you regading the fiercest of Scottish wildlife, the "midge" or "midgie". In warm weather if you are near a river or pond you are at risk of being bitten to death by this tiny insect. Most insect repellents don't really work. By far the best midge repellent is a product by L'Oreal called "Skin so Soft". It's a hand/face skin softener by does a fantastic job of keeping you safe from being bitten a hundred times an hour.

[@SimpleScottishLiving]

Thank you for this!!!

[@AlSnoopsReid]

@@SimpleScottishLiving No sense in allowing you to be uncomfortable when there is a potent solution to the problem. Enjoy the beautiful Scottish countryside.☺☺

[@calderwood-qg7vh]

I thought it was by Avon.not Loreal

[@AlSnoopsReid]

@@calderwood-qg7vh It might well be. I'm 71 and my memory isn't what it should be. Thanks for the correction🙂.

[@marcuspayne9744]

Love the Gorse Bush yellow color and the lavender too all over the place in Scotland and Ireland too. Took ferry over to Isle of Skye, love the Highlands Braemer, Inverness, absolutely loved St. Andrews, actually got to walk on the 18th green. Loved Edinburgh, the Castle and all the shops and pubs on the Royal Mile. Took some great pics in Glenfinnen too. Great country and people, could definitely live there!

[@SimpleScottishLiving]

Scotland is definitely full of beauty! We had a short trip to the Highlands but want to go back and also explore the islands! Thank you for your comment.

[@Seahorse1414]

Welcome to Scotland Annie !

[@SimpleScottishLiving]

Thank you! Couldn’t be happier to be there ❤️

[@carolineleonard8214]

Just started watching your posts. This could be fun and I can't wait to follow our journey as you settle in.

[@SimpleScottishLiving]

Thanks for joining! ❤️

[@kellydev]

Scotland sounds so so like Ireland in every way, even down to the long daylight hours .. wishing you both all the best as you settle into your new life In Bonny Scotland .

[@SimpleScottishLiving]

Thank you! Were enjoying it so far and can’t wait to visit Ireland once we’ve settled in ❤️

[@Joseph13163]

@@SimpleScottishLiving Very similar except there is no right to roam in ireland ,in neither the republic or Northen Ireland even though its in the UK.Farmers are a very strong lobby in ireland and unlike scotland there isn't many large landowners so its not a case of making an agreement with a handful of landowners like scotland they are thousands of landowners in ireland.they are waymarked trails alright but no right to roam as such.

[@SimpleScottishLiving]

@@Joseph13163 Thanks for clarifying! We were hoping everyone would chime in and and share ❤️

[@kcsunshine4008]

Happy for you and your family. I agreed with all your positive points …driving, queuing, countryside & walking, architecture. Bacon & sausages. Soups !!!! Love Scotland so much ( my mum was from Ayrshire) All the very best for this new life chapter ❤ Just wanted to say I thought Zach’s accent was Canadian but it’s a Scots-American hybrid 🤣🤣🤣 lovely 🥰

[@SimpleScottishLiving]

You’re right about Zach’s accent 🤣 Thanks so much for tuning in and for taking the time to comment!

[@CT-hm1yn]

Well now I know why our travel kettle took forever to boil in nyc recently and my poor hubby left it there thinking it was broken lol 😂 it was obv the voltage was low!

[@joannewarburton5928]

I've loved hearing your story. We're British and lived just south of you in the East Bay Area for 8 years moving back to the UK in 2021. So much of your story is familiar to us. We love the UK but miss the blue skies, generally how positive people are in California and very definitely Target!! It's a big decision that you've made but Scotland is an absolutely beautiful country and Edinburgh is one of our favorite cities. Good luck with your journey, I'll be following along xx

[@SimpleScottishLiving]

Wow, love hearing from people with similar experiences! It’s been great so far, but I can definitely empathize with all those things!! Thanks for watching ❤️

[@Barfield-cg7iq]

You just reminded me of a fascinating video I watched once by an American who'd moved to England. He also was talking about the driving culture. He said the same as you. Basically, the physical layout of the roads means that everyone really has to co-operate. The roads are narrow and busy and if we don't help each other out it would be chaos. We had an American friend of my daughter stay with us recently and she mentioned a few interesting things I'd never thought about but one was mini-roundabouts which are just about every 100 metres where I live. She said they scared her but realised it meant everyone had to slow down and think about other people. You have to think about who should give way to who all the time which was encouraging a healthy way of thinking. I'd definitely never thought about it but I guess it's true.

[@Lily-Bravo]

Are you in Milton Keynes?

[@SimpleScottishLiving]

Very true! We’ll document Annie’s driving experience as she starts it. She can drive on her U.S. license for a year, but she will need to pass our tests!

[@biddiemutter3481]

Thanks, that was interesting. I think queues will be found across the UK 😊

[@timothybird4264]

Every time I hear someone say they don’t drink hot drinks, it blows my mind my mind

[@MarlynMeehan]

I'm 70+ lived in Scotland all my life and I have never drunk hot drinks.

[@timward3539]

I'm 68 and never had a hot drink in my life. Well I did, to find out that I really don't like them.

[@nickgrazier3373]

I really enjoyed your list, it was a very different take on the multitude of differences between the two countries. I was very impressed.

[@barrysteven5964]

Pet names - in the north of England people address each other as 'love' in shops etc. I'm from Durham and everyone is 'pet'. Also 'bonnie lad' or 'bonnie lass'. My dad always called me 'bonnie lad' and that's what I call my son, my son-in-law and my grandson. My daughter, daughter in law and granddaughter are 'bonnie lass'. I do actually know their names too!! We have quite a lot in common with the Scots. We call children 'bairns'. My collective noun for my grandchildren is 'the bairns'. Btw, on the subject of dogs we tend to say 'lead' more than 'leash' in the UK.

[@PatrickKelly-lz3pv]

In the North East colliery districts they still use thou thee thine, Hinny is also another term of endearment although in reality it is the prodigy of a male horse and a female donkey ?

[@barrysteven5964]

@@PatrickKelly-lz3pv My nana who lived all her long life (1897-1991) in a Durham mining village (Brandon) always called everyone 'hinny'. 🤣

[@PatrickKelly-lz3pv]

@@barrysteven5964 My grandmother also a Durham las would reply with get a way to almost everything i said to her.

[@phoebus007]

​@barrysteven5964 Long life? She only reached 22 years of age.

[@barrysteven5964]

@@phoebus007 Oh Lord, I have this problem with numbers. I often say and write them in the wrong order but know in my head what I mean. There is a medical term for it. I'm a muppet. I put 1919 when I meant to put 1991. I've corrected it now.

[@rosssmith6078]

I'm Scottish from the Highlands, it's great to hear you are having an excellent time moving here, watched a couple of yer videos. Subscribed so I can follow your ongoing adventures.

[@SimpleScottishLiving]

Thank you so much, we loved our trip to the highlands and can't wait to explore more!

[@DaydreamersBarn]

We loved this video and totally agree with you! I agree with you about the pet names and gardens. Cheers 🤍 Jess x

[@SimpleScottishLiving]

Thank you! Pet names are the best!!

[@DaydreamersBarn]

@@SimpleScottishLiving I agree!

[@sharonmargaretstewart8341]

Glad yous are all settling in Zach and Anniie and are enjoying yourselves 🦋🍀

[@SimpleScottishLiving]

Thank you! It’s been wonderful so far. Can’t wait to feel fully settled :)

[@robwalkerletthemusicplay]

Stumbled upon your video , I’ve subscribed and look forward to hearing your thoughts on life in the uk 👍

[@SimpleScottishLiving]

Thank you for joining us! Can’t wait to showcase more as we settle in and start exploring ❤️

[@J3nk1ns66]

Daylight length depends on the latitude you are at ie the further North or South you are from the Equator the longer the daylight hours are in summer but shorter during winter. Scotland has noticeably longer daylight hours in summer than say London in the South

[@SimpleScottishLiving]

Thanks for sharing!

[@Paul-yh8km]

Quite a bit of the electrical safety thing in Britain (earth pin on all plugs and a fuse in every plug) is due to having a different wiring system, voltage etc to the USA. It's not because we are trying harder, it's just that you have to have additional features for the system to work and be safe to use. But having said that, as a whole it's probably better. Eg a switch on every socket isn't a requirement of the wiring system, it's to improve the experience and to add a bit more safety. 30 years ago switched sockets everywhere would have been unusual.

[@SimpleScottishLiving]

Good to know! Thank you for sharing ❤️

[@salibaba]

And FYI no-one stands on plugs here. We don’t leave them lying around when not in use, we just leave it plugged in and flick the switch off.

[@annamacfarlane4382]

I just discovered your channel yesterday and I love it! You both come across so well and your content is very interesting to me. I live in Glasgow and my partner and I dream of moving to San Diego. The better weather is one of the majors draws but after watching this video it raises some doubts for us. It’s funny how I never appreciated the safety aspect but as a mother of two babies this has got me reconsidering my views.

[@SimpleScottishLiving]

We have lots of family and friends in San Diego, and it’s wonderful in the right areas. If you have a healthy budget, that will open doors to nicer schools and much safer neighborhoods. We definitely get the appeal although the UK is definitely safer overall with its own perks! Hard decision ❤️

[@annamacfarlane4382]

@@SimpleScottishLiving Thanks for the info! Congratulations on making your move and on the success you’re already having with your channel!

[@gailthompson4102]

I hear Zack's accent already faintly coming back

[@lynneserman6054]

I agree!

[@nickgrazier3373]

Apparently in the US most often the voltage in the carrier cables to buildings is similar to the voltage used most everywhere else that being 240 Volts, thats where the similarities end. When the mains gets to the building user unit the 240V is ramped down to 110Volts for some reason, I believe that a full volts circuit is made available for high load items like electric cookers and maybe water heaters but for normal circuits it’s 110V but the two types of circuits are separate.

[@persona250]

It’s a phase to phase 240v with centre tapped neutral at 120v

[@Spartan16231]

Amazing how Zack has an American accent after living in Scotland so long before moving to the states, but as soon as he said he missed his “square sausage or Lorne sausage”, it’s a dead giveaway that he’s a Scotsman alright. Looking forward to that house tour.

[@SimpleScottishLiving]

Thanks for joining!!

[@salibaba]

Just wait. He’ll never be able to say purple burgalar alarm again😂

[@kinross24]

We have a few dog parks in the Kinross area and in Fife so I expect there will be more elsewhere. Fascinating hearing your findings. We used to visit various friends in New England and found things similar but at the same time so different to Scotland. When they come here they love the things you’ve mentioned

[@SimpleScottishLiving]

Thanks for sharing! ❤️

[@Mugtree]

Really loving your videos and glad you are loving Scotland

[@SimpleScottishLiving]

Thank you!

[@janismarksnyder6842]

We look forward to hearing of your experiences and we completely agree on so many observations! Water, SAUSAGES, scenery, safety, oh my! 😊 we can’t wait to hear about real estate!

[@SimpleScottishLiving]

Thank you for joining us ❤️

[@alisonheppell9748]

Square sausages too

[@lyndamaguire2020]

Walking and cycling the old railway lines in Scotland is great good pastime for the family.

[@SimpleScottishLiving]

We can’t wait to start exploring! Good suggestion ❤️

[@heatherbruce4496]

Good to come across you guys wish you both well Scottish neighbour ❤

[@SimpleScottishLiving]

Thank you! We feel grateful to be here ❤️