Things that suck about living in Scotland

[@jojola5198]

The third place is the pub. Find one with older locals and a nice fireplace that are more of a meeting place and less of a drinking place. There is no requirement to drink alcohol.

[@daffyduk77]

I very rarely drink alcohol in pubs as I'm typically driving there & back

[@james6901]

no one would put up with him.

[@Linz0440]

But then you would be surrounded by others drinking alcohol.

[@jojola5198]

@@Linz0440 That’s not a problem for most. Will be a problem for AA members and the like. The pub in Scotland is a social place to meet people first then secondly a drinking place. Drinking alcohol is not required.

[@clickandprayphotography]

100% I have 3 3rd places depending on whether I am at home, at work or at my caravan :D :p

[@Rosebud100]

I moved from England to Scotland many years ago and I love it up here. Radiators, lack of toilets, third places, the weather - it’s all just the same in England, perhaps the summers are better in the South of England but the Winters are just as miserable. Best of luck with your new life in Scotland.

[@james6901]

guys a fud

[@CooperJames-b4x]

You can get a pot of tea or a coffee in most Scots pubs, just ask.

[@kevinbaird7277]

@@CooperJames-b4x I always tell the wife I am away to the pub for a coffee, after 23 years she accepts it as normal, much the same as I let go on holiday to Ibiza every year with her friends for a poetry reading festival, where would we be without trust.

[@jonathancowan2251]

Maybe, but I don't think many Scots pubs have quite the same ambiance as a coffee house.

[@Secret_Squirrel_Scottishgamer]

@@jonathancowan2251 true most Scots owould probably make fun of someone drinking coffee all night in a pub instead of drinking beer.

[@jonathancowan2251]

@@Secret_Squirrel_Scottishgamer It would be more acceptable in the 'gentrified' pubs, dare I say! Or as I was reminded of by a commentor today, more 'pan-loafy'. I thought that had disappeared as a put-down!

[@Demun1649]

@@jonathancowan2251 Less ambience than a Costa Coffee, or the other one?

[@PaulEcosse]

There is a public toilet in every bookies. There are twelve thousand bookies on every high street.

[@noname-by3qz]

What is a bookie

[@WeAreThePeople1690]

​@@noname-by3qzBetting shop 👍

[@sandersson2813]

​@@noname-by3qzBookmaker, betting shop

[@kevinkvs9746]

Yes and they are only in the poor areas, you don’t see a bookies in newton Mearns and you never will, plus don’t think there is one in Bearsden

[@sandersson2813]

@@noname-by3qz How can you not know what a bookie is? It's a betting shop/bookmaker

[@carolineskipper6976]

Obviously, these are your observations and you are perfectly entitled to resent all of these things - but if we were debating them around a cosy pub table on a cold winter's evening whilst supping our hot coffees, I would mention the following: Why do you need a power outlet in the bathroom? As you know, you can have special outlets for electric shavers and toothbrushes, but Americans often say "But where do you dry your hair?". Well, we don't hog the bathroom un-necessarily whilst drying our hair - we do this in front of the mirror in the bedroom, and free up the bathroom for the rest of the family to use. My downstairs toilet is actually the warmest room in the house, as it has a radiator, and the door is always shut so the heat is retained in there. You may not have a radiator in yours, but usually people do. About washing machines in the kitchen- we prefer it if our house has a dedicated 'Utility Room' as we call it here, but of course there is no space for one in many homes. The kitchen has the plumbing needed for a washing machine already in place, and the kitchen in a house has easy access to an outside space for drying the laundry. As for hygiene concerns many americans seem to have- you don't keep dirty laundry in the kitchen - you bring a basketful of it it into the kitchen as you go to load the machine, and when it comes out- it's clean! I'm glad that on balance you are glad you made the move!

[@james6901]

dont explain your self or defend our wonderful country,,,,the guys an idiot,,,,he has no 3rd place,,why? because we Scots hate whinging clowns...send him back to trump land

[@Thurgosh_OG]

Yes, the gripes are a bit narrow minded, despite his wish for things to be larger. Toilets and bathrooms in all of the K, not just Scotland do not have the space for a washing machine, so no need for a mains socket in there. Toilets without radiators or other heating sources must be quite rare in Scotland because it can get really cold without one,in winter. And who undresses next to their washing machine, in any country, unless you're about to have bath/shower?

[@JaceBrenner-l4k]

Unless you have had a power outlet in your bathroom it would be hard to explain why not finding one would be discomforting. They certainly are not unsafe.

[@praisethesunn6541]

Hey man. The thing you said about coffee shop third places really resonates with me. Most coffee shops close early due to staffing these days but chains like Black Sheep are trying to stay open till 8/9. Indy shops have nowhere near the budget for that. It’s a shame. My local shop next to my work closed a couple of years ago and it honestly felt like I’d lost access to a small community. I used to go there for an hour before work almost every day. Love this channel dude, really interesting to hear your observations.

[@james6901]

dude?? OOOOooo another american,,,,shut up this guy shouldnt even be here

[@Earlofmar1]

For all your pet peeves, Scotland is the only place in the world (that I know off) where you select how well cooked (burnt) your rolls are, and I bet you can still get a half decent Indian curry at 2am any day of the week. You have to be grateful for small mercies.

[@gordonwilson1631]

Public toilets were common before the Thatcher era brought the start of reduced public services. Still ongoing in the UK.

[@AuldScot1888]

Valid point.

[@TracyMorton-i1e]

I think it’s terrible I have to go into pubs and ask if I can use the toilet or bookies most allow me to but some don’t I even heard a cafe owner saying no to a woman with kids the child needed the toilet what was she supposed to do some refuse unless you buy something we need public toilets

[@TracyMorton-i1e]

@@gordonwilson1631 thatcher I think caused most of the problems we are facing today and as a 53 year old women I don’t want to have to go in to the pub or bookies to ask if I can use the toilet

[@MrStargazer66]

It was the Tories during the 1980s - they cancelled the need to go to the toilet for every person in the country - as part of their crazy modernisation policy? Hmmm...

[@Richard-eh8ib]

It’s not illegal to have a standard power socket/outlet in the bathroom, it just needs to be a certain distance from a water zone that most uk bathrooms can’t accommodate one.

[@thomascatford2627]

I think you are wrong

[@Richard-eh8ib]

Google it before commenting, it states in the BS7671 that it must be 3m horizontally from a zone 1 boundary.

[@KaraokeDave]

​@Richard-eh8ib Nah, he thinks you're wrong. That's enough for me. Your facts are useless here.

[@Thurgosh_OG]

@@thomascatford2627 What you think and what the regs are don't have to agree, they just make you wrong.

[@DomingoDeSantaClara]

The centre of every community is the pub, that's your third space, coffee, food, fizzy drinks or stronger, the locals are always there and you'll soon enough be one.

[@mscoop74]

Oh Peter, you really need to invest in a pair of wellies if you're going to be walking around Eglinton Park at this time of year, or any other time if the sky starts leaking. A good downpour can put big stretches of the path underwater. Remember, you're one of us now so you should always be prepared. You could call your coffee shop The Third Place. Much love from Ayrshire. x☔🤣

[@intercat4907]

You did that beautifully.

[@garymackie5608]

A Kent that wiz eggy park the tower confirmed it

[@mscoop74]

@@garymackie5608 Me tae, great walk but slippy as feck when it's wet. Smashing in our couple of days of summer though. 😂

[@paulieconnell1]

It was the dovecote that did it for me, then the ruins….. welcome to Ayrshire keep the vids coming.

[@Pollandland]

I think the Third Place idea in Glasgow would be really popular to be honest, and would go big on social media etc. Many people in Glasgow (myself included) sometimes struggle to manage their relationship with alcohol, but feel there is a pressure to drink whenever you are out socialising. A place like the one you describe could start a trend of people learning to go out and enjoy themselves without getting "on it" and I think there are a lot of Scottish people who do wish there was an alternative

[@Mr-Foad]

I agree I think it would be busy, youd get all sorts of people meeting there, friends, doctors, colleagues, business people etc...

[@bigbobey1680]

One in Glasgow would be excellent

[@spikeychris]

The west end used to have cafes etc that were open later (Beanscene was open until 10 as far as I remember but that shut a very long time ago) and I'm pretty sure Waterstones with cafes inside used to be open fairly late but I guess it's just not profitable to be open late anymore. I'm not overly surprised as a lot of these places relied on student footfall and the average student now is way different to 20 years ago in terms of how much they go out and what they do when they do go out.

[@Quitethecontrarian-d7l]

Scotland is happy to have you, pleased you decided to come.❤

[@adamtatek8330]

Totally get you re the GP appointments. I have to spend 90 mins in a queue when I should be working. They have to triage you, as they do get a lot of timewasters, but I've always got an appointment the same day. Overall, a thoughtful video, not just the usual moans you get about the food and the weather.Glad you're putting up with us -)

[@james6901]

take it you have never visted america? the guy is a richard.

[@EvilNiallo]

The plug in a bathroom is 100% due to safety reasons. As for needing one in the bathroom, I’ve lived 43 years not even thinking about it. I have a cordless shaver, I’d dry my hair in the bedroom, listen to music via my phone while in the shower etc. As a Scotsman I was just brought up knowing that electricity in the bathroom wasn’t a thing. 🤷🏻‍♂️ I’m only in there to shower, 💩, shave and that’s pretty much it. I do however think late night cafes would do well in the UK. Not everyone wants to chill at the pub around drunk people. Absolutely love a radiator and anywhere I travel to in the world, my partner and I get ill from AC. Doctors appointments are a pain to be fair. Most of the time I manage to get one the same day but sometimes it’s the following day. And I totally agree with window screens!!! I’d love that. Unless it’s windy, I don’t mind winter at all. Helps me sleep when I’m on night shifts. So, I’m pretty much with you on 50% of your points. It’s good to see someone being honest and open about the little things that annoy them when living in a new country.

[@JaceBrenner-l4k]

You can setup plugs in the bathroom to be safe. In fact, places with safe outlets probably have safer wiring in the whole house.

[@AnjiDuff]

Mate. You go to a pub. Go for a tour and visit every single pub in a 5 mile radius from your door. You will find a vibe that suits your preference and a group or table that will be open to you. It's Scotland. Everyone will be all over you and taking the piss. I am ND and go with my dog and find a chair in the corner and people watch.

[@Linz0440]

... is the wrong answer.

[@Alan_Mac]

All of your housing gripes are easily solved. Screens can be retrofitted to windows. Radiators can be repositioned or get vertical rather than horizontal ones or install underfloor heating. My solution was skirting board heating - which is fab. You can put, say, a hairdryer into your bathroom. Buy one that's ingress-protected, mount it on the wall and have it hard-wired. My GF loves it! Same with washing machines. Our w/m and dryer are where a shower used to be - so access to water and drainage is easy. They are, again, hard-wired and the switch is on the wall outside in the hall.

[@MrRjhyt]

You can solve your radiator problems with underfloor heating. It does tend to be a more expensive option, and tend to be rare.

[@maureenshaw737]

So interesting to hear your perspective, Peter. I love the concept of a Third Place.

[@davef.2329]

My late mom's entire ancestral family left there between 1812 and 1889 and founded an entire township in upstate NY. I recall as a kid, the oldest still remaining ones saying the weather here was much easier to deal with than in Scotland. Thanks, Peter.

[@markmcghee3672]

There Was no central heating then. Prepare for weather and it's little to no issue. We also travel abroad a lot.. most united statesians do not have a passport and have never been out of the USA.

[@thehighlandlife2023]

Interesting hearing your perspective as someone who moved to Scotland. We moved to the Scottish Highlands a few years back and absolutely love it here. It feels like home ❤

[@subtropicalsouthernmaine8776]

Go to the nearest pub/bar for the toilet

[@john_mega]

Cities like Edinburgh and Glasgow have coffee shops and dessert shops in abundances

[@judewhitbread2394]

Genuine question, are there any that stay open later in Edinburgh d'you know? I'd love that.

[@gordonbradley3241]

" third place " ? We call them pubs !

[@RecruitMain27]

starbucks are trialing 24 hours right now in hamilton, pretty sure its drive thru only from 11pm though

[@LeoShoSilva]

Coffee close to midnight,that would be an interesting night 😂

[@johngault22]

These pet peeves are shared by me, my family, and my Scottish friends. As a night owl, I grew up in a village where nothing was open after midnight, and even in Aberdeen now, the situation isn’t much different. Plus, drinking doesn’t suit me, so I often spend my time enjoying media or being online. I’m also on the spectrum, and since the pandemic, I’ve been staying home more because it’s just so comfy.

[@sueKay]

Closest thing you'll get to a 'third place' in Scotland is the pub, until very recently they were the place to meet locally...not so much in recent years. Coffee shop culture wasn't really a thing here in the past, but it might work now...depending on where you set up shop anyway. The sockets thing used to be a safety issue. Now we're just kind of used to it. Most houses here aren't big enough to have the washing machine anywhere but the kitchen. There's barely even room in my bathroom for my toilet roll holder let alone a washing machine! I do have an old boiler cupboard I could fit my washing machine in...but it has no plumbing, and I rent, so I can't move it there, which is a shame cos i could do that, I could put a dishwasher in my kitchen. The GP system here is IMO the weakest link in our NHS. They didn't used to be, and years ago you could get an appointment or even a house call without too much fuss...but in the last 10 years it's got worse. SAD is real and it makes me a miserable grouch in October and November. But the long summer days make me cranky due to lack of sleep!

[@Geordie_Peter]

As a Brit living in the US for the past 17 years I agree about the coffee shops and the opening times, but as you said maybe you should open one yourself with loger opening times and start a trend.

[@saorsa5]

You are not a brit Britain is not a country you are english or Scottish or Welsh or from Northern Ireland. Scottish never British

[@Yesser-Thistle73]

@@saorsa5 Well said!

[@skooshy621]

@@saorsa5 Please sir/madam, can I please be allowed please to be English or Scottish or Welsh or Northern Irish please AND British please? For one, my passport says I am British.

[@iceninja46]

@@skooshy621 and that is the colonial mindset... :)

[@Geordie_Peter]

@@saorsa5 I'm not paranoid about which country in the British Isles I originate from, have you not heard of the term BRIT?

[@Nexus_545]

I'm from Dumfries. I'm pretty sure the Costa there used to be open late, remember me and my friends going there in the winter evenings. I think the whole chain reduced their opening hours at some point though. Public toilets used to be a lot more common. Councils just started shutting them down for whatever reason.

[@annesmith7548]

We have a great used bookstore and a coffee shop next door with a fireplace; very enjoyable hangout. But the best thing in this town is that a couple of guys bought one of our old movie theaters and turned it into a theater pub. Movies are 5 bucks and you can order pizza or other food (very good quality) and it's delivered to you while you're watching the movie. There's a bar inside the downstairs part of the theater where you can buy beer or wine, upstairs is for non drinkers. There's also a regular sit down restaurant next to the lobby. The theater also puts on concerts and presentations, etc. Not sure if it'd go over in the UK, but this community loves it.

[@QBTO]

Washing machines in the kitchen will probably be because most Scottish houses were built before the invention of the electric washing machine. Scottish homes had large twin sinks in which washing was hand washed then passed through a mangle to squeeze out the water, before being hung outside to dry.

[@The_Mighty_Fluff]

I can confirm that the struggle to get a GP appointment is not new. Healthcare is free here but unless your dying expect to wait a really long time to see someone if your not savvy enough to get at the front of the queue. You literally have to phone on the minute cause if your 1 or 2 mins late then there will be a dozen people in front of you queued for the receptionist.

[@f0rth3l0v30fchr15t]

Washing machines are in the kitchen because that's usually right next to the water main and the stank, so plumbing them in in older homes is easier. And have you seen the size of most bathrooms? Where would you even fit a washing machine?

[@doreenhollywood7459]

Welcome to our lovely country. Ayrshire is a lovely place to be. I am a very proud Scot. You made some Interesting comments. I am one of the people who hates air conditioning. I recently visited Australia and everything is air conditioned. I was cold in cars and taxis, houses and shopping centres and yet it was 30 degrees + outside in the lovely sunshine. What a waste to a Scot who loves the sun. I walked a lot . People in houses have the blinds drawn and it is always dark, no sunshine. I wouldn't want to live in the cold and dark. The changing seasons here in Scotland are amazing and the scenery is always lovely. I like your idea about a coffee shop opening later. A lot of single people would enjoy that. My third place is our library, here in Ardrossan. There is always a jigsaw out for anyone to fit some pieces. There are computers for use by people who don't have one at home, there is usually coffee and biscuits, comfy chairs, lots of books and I play bridge there every week. Bridge is a great game and there are several clubs here in Ayrshire. You can play most nights of the week and it keeps your mind active.

[@petethefungi]

If someone has been living in a different country for 4 years and still hasn't managed to overcome these minor problems, then perhaps the best thing to do is leave! I've lived abroad in 3 different countries and have NEVER felt the need to complain that it's not as good as my home country!!

[@kiang2001]

I think with our climate the hot air system would be a factory for black mould production.

[@jncg2311]

It also doesn't suit retrofit into older buildings well as it needs large cavities between walls and floors for ducting, often a basement too. Ultimately is was house design and the abundance of older stone and brick built houses that pre-dated HVAC that has meant it is uncommon here, and only normally considered for new buildings.

[@fjmoody]

From what I've seen you're on the Ayrshire coast. GRO Coffee on Irvine Harbourside is open till 10, they've opened up a branch in Ayr as well.

[@fjmoody]

Just spotted Eglington Castle in the background, so you're Irvine adjacent at least.

[@kevinbaird7277]

Here in Scotland we use our metal to make radiators rather than guns, I hate guns.

[@joe9042]

I ❤guns.

[@kevinbaird7277]

@joe9042 I hope you will be very happy together.

[@mf_rat]

By the time the police respond, you'll have long since died of stab wounds.

[@Brian_Boru]

Dumb comment, Muppet

[@JaceBrenner-l4k]

Usually when people say they dislike I guns I found they have not spent much time around them.

[@onised9000]

i came here after watching your walkabout in glasgow only to find you in my neck of the woods in eglinton! ive never though about the washing machine being in the kitchen as wierd but thats because i have never known otherwise. the screens on windowsi think is because we do not have many venomous insects or animals. usually the insects and the like that get in the house are usually just a hassle but not enough of one to have people do anything about. again i mentioned culture gap and i think certain aspects of this can be related to that. with all that being said im glad you dont regret the move and im honestly happy to see eglinton in a video. i was there 3 weeks ago in the middle of the fog and it was a blast. not a soul around (due to the fog and temperature) and a great place to walk the dog :)

[@stonefaction]

Takeaway coffee (like Costas, Starbucks etc) places weren't really a thing here in Scotland until a few years ago. Now they are everywhere, and so many people seem unable to 'cope' without that morning coffee (despite having already had breakfast at home), so maybe all it needs is that 1 (or 2) late night opening coffee shop(s) to get that particular ball rolling.....

[@WVislandia]

When I moved to Dublin in the late 1990s, there was a phenomenon there of cafes where gameboards were available. The cafes grew up as a direct alternative to bars and they served things like fruit juices. I used to meet the daughter of someone from church to play several games of chess on Saturdays. I'm not sure if there would be a similar demand in Scotland but I also think perhaps it depends on the place - that there may well be cafes in places where the clientele is there to socialise and not to drink. You might keep your eyes open when oot and aboot.

[@RolloutProductions]

You're 100% correct about your first point, i'd love if they did something like that here. We have no means of socialising, or hanging out "Sober" other than gyms and leisure centres to an extent. I think there's definitely a market for things like this, and hopefully there will be more communal hangout stuff in the future for Scotland.

[@rckoala8838]

Re. window screens: in the US I lived in numerous dorms and apartments lacking screens. You can get (maybe you'll have to do it online now) half-screens which pull out to fit the window, and then you close the window on top of the screen, if that makes sense. Wherever you live it's always something, though!

[@m0rafic1]

The GP phone call thing is now sadly commonplace but not fortunately yet universal, when one is lucky enough to live in the right place. As a non-drinker I too would appreciate coffee shops open for more than what seems like five minutes, though recently in Dundee one stayed open past its posted closing time during a downpour inspired sudden influx of customers. On the plus side summer daylight is a wonderful thing, many moons ago, I finished work in Southampton at 5:30 drove home to Aberdeenshire and then took off my knockoff aviator mirror shades just as the sun was rising.

[@CooperJames-b4x]

There's only one thing wrong with Scotland, it's still part of the UK.

[@TechnoMagi-h4r]

I vote we start digging a Huge Trench

[@saorsa5]

Scotland needs out this nonsense of a union

[@sandersson2813]

Scotland would seriously struggle without being part of the UK.

[@Rosebud100]

It’s a pity that Scotland was not an independent country years ago - if it had been, it would not have had to share its gold with England - oil! How do think the City of London became so rich under Thatcher…. I live on a beautiful Scottish island and life is great - and I’m English.

[@manwithnonameno1]

@@Rosebud100 We are not independent because the people of Scotland said NO we are not being held against our will.

[@Ksu_]

definately open a coffee shop!! I lived in the UK for over 14 years and Edinburgh for 6 years and I've seen the coffee shop culture take off in the cities from zero! It's super popular at the moment, I think small towns simply haven't had that culture so far but I'm sure it will be popular with locals if you do open one ☺

[@annesmith7548]

I live in Alaska. You might consider putting white string lights outside your windows in winter and get a SAD light.

[@charlesmair26]

That was an excellent Vlog. I was born in Scotland but grew up in BPT, CT, in the 1960s. I came back many, many years ago, and I can relate to what you are saying; I would live nowhere else in the world. So Welcome to Scotland.

[@jamesloweffortcampingandfi3679]

Ooh I can answer every one of these: No one would want to go to a coffee shop at 1am. I literally cannot understand the use case for this. Anyone up at that time is only up because they're out drinking or on some kind of night shift and desperate to get home. The closest thing is dessert shops that are open late. I think they're often set up for the muslim population who don't drink but want to go out late. They typically stay open until about 11pm but they tend to be quite harshly lit and not cozy. Washing machine in the kitchen: a lot of our houses are old and would need fully rewiring to put electricity in the bathroom even if there was room for a washing machine (there wouldn't be in mine). It's just our habit to do the washing in the kitchen i guess. And no we get undressed in the bedroom which is also not where a washing machine is. The thing i need Americans to understand about the plugs in the bathroom is when you only have one bathroom you don't want someone hogging it drying their hair. You can do that in literally any other room but the bathroom is the only room with a shower and toilet. I hate radiators too but they are way more cost effective to run than electric hvac. Heating our rooms with electricity would be shockingly expensive. If you do build a house put wet underfloor heating in it. We don't get that many bugs so need for screens. If you leave the light on with the window open when it's dark you'll get moths but just shut the curtains. I don't know much about the anatomy of a screen but i think the wind here would destroy one after a season or two Yeah getting a dr appointment is hard, some are better than others, keep voting for parties that want to do something about it Yeah the days get short in winter but it's nice and cosy Genuinely don't know what you mean about not having toilets, every department store, pub, cafe and restaurant has one, a lot of supermarkets in Scotland have one every small tourist spot has one, more remote service stations have them, it's literally fine You wouldn't want American diners here because you're trying to live in Scotland and we have our own things. There are takeaways, Indian and middle eastern restaurants open late as well as the dessert places i mentioned before. There's meant to be a 24hour pie shop in Aberdeenshire somewhere which is the closest Scottish equivalent 😅

[@louisemiller4970]

They had a place in Glasgow, Insomnia which was opened 24/7. Lasted a while but closed

[@alangray6961]

I suppose I think of my 'Third Place' as the countyside, which due to the Scottish Outdoor Access Code allows almost completely unrestricted responsible access. I live in a major town and work in Edinburgh and use this 'Third Space' everal times a week to relax. It's not just or remote countryside residents.

[@heatherphelps3799]

I’ve always been curious what it’s like living in Scotland as my ancestors are from the highlands. Interestingly, your video popped up! Thank you for sharing!

[@Scottie_235]

highlands is okay to live in. the central belt not so much just depends on what area your in

[@Yesser-Thistle73]

Ask a Scot for the facts.

[@ChrisM541]

Don't base your conclusion of one social media video and a few comments. Remember, most comments, everywhere, are shaped by personal income. If you are struggling, that's often reflected in what you say. If you are lucky enough to be affluent, then that tends to afford a positive outlook - not every time, but most times.

[@Smartgran]

Absolutely right, but I left the trashy England for the wonderful magical Scotland and little things like your list don't even figure when I think of my plusses gained by being a new Scot. I would never dream of going back. The real life here, community and outlook is amazing.

[@leannan070]

❤

[@Yesser-Thistle73]

Thank you!

[@JimMcDonaldSoItIs]

You can spout crap like that all you want to get the narrow-minded, hateful anti-english jocks to like you, but the truth is, they still hate you. And trashy? As opposed to delightful places like Glasgow, coatbridge, cumbernauld, Saltcoats, Kilmarnock, Airdrie, Paisley, Bathgate, Dundee, Motherwell etc etc? Stop bootlicking, darling. They still detest you.

[@Demun1649]

It is the difference between the Celts, and their history of sociability, compared to the violent Anglo-Saxon ILLEGAL IMMIGRANTS.

[@james6901]

Typical yank....although we Scots would use a W Rather than a y.

[@seanquigley3605]

In so far as opening a coffee house we had two major ones that attracted younger people to them in large numbers. One was what I would call your typical "Coffee house" it attracted the typical coffee house set and as such was in high demand by them, however the other one, the one I frequented to the point of having my own mug in was a former corner bar, the owner didn't change the vibe of it being a bar/pub....do that it brought in those who wouldn't normally go to a "Coffee House" also keep in mind with that you don't need expensive exotic coffee beans mix maxwell house and folgers and call it "House blend" 1 pound a cup and 25 pence refill and you'll rake in money hand over foot. Add a jukebox and a couple of pinball machines and you'll be set.

[@lornamackenzie2694]

I can relate a lot to what you are saying having lived overseas in the UK and Oz. I missed later opening coffee shops or just somewhere to go when I returned here. I have looked in to fly screens to put on my windows here as I would prefer bugs to stay outside. I miss a laundry rooms, it makes so much sense. I never thought about the radiators, it’s true they limit you to where you place things. Glad you are happy here. As you say, no where is perfect.

[@ewansinclair2893]

Fair points but we’re glad to have you!

[@gillianlaing1073]

You can use toilets in shopping centres, pubs, cafe, theatres

[@bigbadthesailor5173]

So interesting: My experience in Scotland is that everywhere, pretty much, is the 'third place' - I have so many more interactions with random strangers, often a good laugh, than would ever happen in England. Also - people spend a vast amount of time having coffee. Also you just haven't tapped into tea - the late afternoon meal. If you think Scotland is cramped, go to England - I feel totally hemmed in down there. Radiators are a total pain, agreed.

[@TheFrogfather1]

My parents house (1927) had an electrical outlet in the bathroom. When we got rewired in the 70s it was removed so I guess it was illegal even then. When we got our flat renovated we thought of replacing the radiators with electric underfloor heating but the sheer cost of electricity made keeping the radiators unavoidable. We did get underfloor heating in the bathroom and it's great!

[@peterkonradort]

I would definitely like some underfloor heating! But I still want my vents and “proper” heating and air 😂😂😂

[@roddymcniven8734]

Who tf wants to drink coffee at night? Weird

[@doreenhollywood7459]

Decaff is very good at night, but it is more about being out of the house.

[@jamesloweffortcampingandfi3679]

​@@doreenhollywood7459the part I don't get is that they're open until 1am?! Just go to bed?

[@Intowatches]

Alcohol/Non alcohol pub culture has been ingrained within Scotland/UK life since day dot. As a non alcoholic drinker myself I'd welcome later opening coffee shop times so I get where you're coming from

[@UdumbaraMusic]

@@jamesloweffortcampingandfi3679 Some people work nights/evenings.

[@burtlangoustine1]

I have a major coffee all hours issue. I think its the dopamine + caffeine + sugar hit cycle. Omg its ridiculous.

[@rodmckendrick8140]

You’ll find plenty of radiators in NYC especially in the older apartment buildings. Steam fed by ConEdison.

[@Dianelittlek3]

Sounds like you're home sick , 😢 You can get Shelves, for radiators You can also get the snap screens for doors and windows they are also waterproof. I leave mines up all year round

[@john_smith1471]

Agreed downstairs toilet should not be icy cold, don’t understand why you miss the obvious solution, put a heated towel-rail in there, so a permanently warm loo that you can read in and warm towels.

[@TAM-tf7ul]

It's just culture; American's don't tend to have electric kettles, they still boil kettles on the stove. So there is no doubt a convenience aspect to going to a coffeeshop, with a quiet atmosphere. Coffeeshops would be almost useless, at night here. Brits don't tend to drink coffee at any other time, than the morning. And if we ever wanted to drink say coffee or tea, we would use the electric kettle, have boiling water in about a minute.. and make our own coffee/tea at home.

[@annesmith7548]

Do we not? I discovered electric kettles in the 1990's, thought they were the best thing since sliced bread. I guess I assumed it caught on because it was such a great idea. But my family uses a French press to make our coffee and most Americans probably use a coffee pot. I think most Americans quit drinking caffeine in the early to late afternoon, but we still go to coffee shops for decaf coffee, decaf tea, health drinks, croissants, etc.

[@MrRjhyt]

I believe its a voltage thing, with the US, using a lower voltage, it means kettles can take twice as long to boil. Sorry, if I'm over-simplifying.

[@GrahamMacdonald-w9o]

As my brother has lived in Florida for nearly 30 years and we grew up in Scotland, your video was particularly pertinent. Most of the downsides have been covered by others. I always carry a spare pair of wellington boots and an old pair of trainers in my car boot for muddy conditions. In terms of the 'third space', Scottish pubs have changed a lot in the time I have been an adult. With the effective limit now being half a pint of beer if you are driving, the majority of pubs are not the drinking dens I recall from fifty years ago. I remember a pub in the deprived Hunter Crescent area of Perth (now renamed Fairfield) that a colleague drove me to to see how the 'other half' lived in about 1978. The bar seemed to be the length of a football pitch, visibility was reduced by a cloud of cigarette smoke and there was not a woman to be seen in a crowded pub. The siting of the washing machine in a downstairs toilet or bathroom is fairly unusual here in the UK and, so far as I can surmise, tends to occur when there have been extensions or other modifications to the house. The first time I noticed this was on a visit to a friend's house and - how can I put this delicately? - I did ask him if he ever did his no.2s while the washing machine was on. The answer was something like 'Of course, why ever not?'! Two additional downsides of living in Scotland are the absence of NHS dentists who will take you on when you move to a new area (although some areas are still okay) and the imposition of what I consider are unnecessary 20 mph speed limits. These speed limits are fine on residential streets and at critical times near schools but they are now on main roads as well. I think my least favourite example is Telford Street in Inverness but I could mention a few others.

[@periurban]

Third place? I miss that too, and I have never experienced it, except when I visited San Francisco many years ago. The plethora of coffee shops, all open all day, was probably the most awesome thing about that trip. But the cost of property and the red tape you need to cut to get such a place going in Scotland would mean you'd have to be extremely successful very quickly to make it viable. Tiny everything? Have you ever been in a modern English house? I visited a friend in Chester many years ago and his living room sofa was under the stairs, with the TV six feet away. In the upstairs you couldn't have both bedroom doors open at the same time! And let's not even talk about Japan! No, it's America where everything is HUGE! [Same as "third place" property is so expensive that everything land based shrinks.] Washing machine in the kitchen? Um, yeah, it's that land thing again.

[@Thurgosh_OG]

Diners have been tried at various times up and down the UK, including Scotland. They mostly failed because people don't generally want to be out at 1am sitting with a meal or a coffee. And during the rest of the day they might be busy around regular meal times but for all those other hours, they are just a drain in the business, with keeping everything on, waiting for the odd customer.

[@dougdavidson175]

As a expat Canadian living in Scotland for the past 11 years I concur with your assessment of Scottish life! Thanks for posting. Will I move back? Nup, no happenin, aye right!

[@juditmihalovits4641]

I don’t know…( I grew up with radiator’s) …. I think it keeps the heat better , then the forced air heaters . 🤷‍♀️ Thank you for your videos , giving us insight how other nations live .

[@zuzuspetals9180]

I think you can buy radiators that are built to look like skirting board 👍

[@steventaylor529]

The answer to many of your gripes is the pub. 3rd place, public toilet, find your doctor or receptionist to get an appointment 😅

[@BradLevangie]

As a Canadian, I've noticed how people find it normal to live in mould.....we have damp weather in Canada too, yet have never seen a mouldy house

[@katejarvis4604]

Being on spectrum Scotland has far less people than rest of uk, far more open spaces and far less cities so much less overwhelming and space to breathe

[@williamking9510]

If you are looking for a "Third Place" in Scotland, you really need to be in a city. Most shops in villages in Central Belt and Ayrshire will be closed by 6pm. If you go back 35 years, most shops would be closed by 12pm on a Wednesday, 12pm on a Saturday and not open on a Sunday! In the West End of Glasgow, you will find coffee shops open late and bars like the Stravaigin where people will go for coffee and/or booze.

[@sharpfighter66]

I’d never heard of a “third place” before this video. I think the idea of a late open coffee shop or cafe would be amazing for here in Scotland. I do enjoy the pubs don’t get me wrong but a bit of variety would be a nice change 😂

[@okiwatashi2349]

Open your own for sure. Pubs are struggling, but well worth a shot. I’d go. I think I passed you on Great Westrn road today!

[@PeterBellefleur]

Forced air is less common here not only because the lack of the cooling requirements, but the construction of most homes here doesnt allow for easy installation of ductwork. Timber frame houses aren't as common here. Also, i consider my 3rd place here to just be outside. I cycle, walk the beach or wander around some of the amazing countryside.

[@greenockscatman]

They say you regret things you’ve failed to do rather than things you’ve done. Thank you for the insight!

[@Deborahbellwj34]

Hey Peter, enjoyed your films and glad you are sharing the pluses and minuses. Since the GP contracts were altered, some years ago, many GP surgeries are privately owned premises with the doctors signed up to give their service to the NHS. They act as businesses and each has its own way of handling appointments. There are many premises which are owned by companies in the USA and the GP's can face rising rentals etc which can restrict their services and numbers employed...hence overworked, understaffed. I'm so glad to have a GP practice which runs well and offers appointments in a variety of ways to suit it's patients but, as the country-wide NHS appoach has gone, many have difficulty getting seen. Many pubs sell coffee and tea and have done since the 1970's so they ought to have got it to a decent standard by now.

[@ckzf1842]

Reality check : DRINKING ( alcohol) is a BIG ( and accepted ) standard feature in evening /weekend socialising in the UK !

[@Thurgosh_OG]

Plenty of us Scots don't drink or don't drink much, so that's also the reality. Add to that weekend socialising is only for a few, as most cannot afford it.

[@craighobbs3708]

Great video! Lots of interesting comparisons. Scottish culture normally revolves around alcohol. - having an unhealthy lifestyle is almost a badge of honour in the west of Scotland. Lots of people have utility rooms in Scotland too where you will find the washing machine!

[@Secret_Squirrel_Scottishgamer]

Some positives for some people are negative for others its impossible to please everyone its a bit like the difference between Scotland and spain is the heat if you love the heat you will prefer spain over Scotland where if you prefer it to be mild then the opposite is true. I can answer one of your questions though about why coffee shops here don't open late .. its because in Scotland most people used to flock to the city clubs meaning most of the other places like coffee shops etc would be empty later at night.

[@jbjaguar2717]

Go to pubs which host events such as language exchanges and boardgame/card evenings - you'll find they attract a crowd who are just there to chat rather than get drunk.

[@mkoschara]

Some of your complaints are similar to my complaints about Costa Rica.

[@alandrsmart]

Love your videos Peter and enjoyed this. I think some of the points you flag depend greatly on where you are in Scotland it is quite a diverse country. The late night coffee shop could be a thing in the bigger towns and Cities as coffee is a big thing and growing in Scotland and the pubs are declining. Enjoy your stay Failte Gu Alba

[@brianhall3586]

In Glasgow, west end, there used to be a coffee shop called Beanscene (early 2000s) that me and my friends used to go to - so many times actually, we were invited to the staff Christmas night out... It was open until 11 then, sometimes we'd go to "Sleepless on Sauchiehall Street" until God knows what time... Unfortunately both closed and the nighttime economy seemed to go with it.... around 2005 / 2006 ish... There's maybe new places that I don't know about ... but that's my experience ..

[@ElaineNoble-cx9ym]

I used to go to the Beanscene in Edinburgh. I studied for my open university degree there. I miss it.

[@wltb3486]

I used to visit regularly the Beanscene just off Byres Road or the one on Woodlands Road near Charing X. I lived in Glasgow west end then. They were independently owned and used to be open until 10pm or 11pm.

[@brianhall3586]

Yeah it's hard to find the right space you want to linger a while

[@ippybar5117]

This just popped up on my feed so took a look and thought, "that ruin looks familiar". Eglinton Park in Kilwinning...l live in Dalry. 😂

[@robertreid9586]

As a Scotsman living in Edmond, Oklahoma for 18 years, my 3rd place is spending time on some land we own out of town in Crescent, OK. As many people have stated, the 3rd place in Scotland would very much of been the local pub, but that has changed so much and isn’t really the case anymore. I’m not a big alcohol drinker, albeit I do enjoy a beer at the Angry Scotsman in Bricktown OKC.

[@adthgu6336]

With your tiny everything chapter, I'm literally the complete opposite, I've been to the US a few times and the scale freaked me out a bit, I do also have ASD but I didn't think it had anything to do with it.

[@Support-your-local-team]

It might be because I've only lived in Edinburgh and Glasgow but at least in those two cities there are plenty of coffee shops. Have I went my whole life without noticing that they aren't a thing anywhere else?

[@sheenamcleod3386]

I get why you say you feel Scotland feels tiny. A few years ago I was in Canada for a month, though I enjoyed my visit and the people were lovely, it felt too vast and I was so happpy when I came home to our little country. I actually said that to my husband🤣🤣🤣❤️

[@sillycookie1982]

We used to have public toilets all over. They closed them all as the councils couldn't be bothered with the upkeep

[@RossBayard]

Your third place idea is perhaps on to something. It's historically always been the pub/club, but there's been a big decline in alcohol consumption and night life in Gen Z for multiple reasons. Could be interesting to have a space open as late as weekend bars - 1am

[@MrRjhyt]

I must confess my Doctors surgery was one of the last to fall to this infuriating new system, where you have to phone at 8:30, and I didn't realise how bad it is to navigate. I do find most cafés have toilets, and are usually open to non-customers. The idea of a late night café, is incredibly appealing to me. I'm a non-drinker, but it does feel like socialising needs to offer the option to serve alcohol to survive.

[@janicestewart4347]

Since covid lots of coffee shops close at 4pm. So sad. I agree with you on the third place. Not everyone wants a pub.

[@johnpuntenney4596]

Thanks for the heads up. I am neurodivergent, and I am planning on applying for grad school in Scotland in a year or two. Those tips are helpful.

[@andybrown4284]

The small spaces thing is because the UK is an old country rather than the size of the landmass, been small for centuries and less room to expand into larger ones that take a lot more to heat. You can have a power outlet in the bathroom, but it is restricted to the two pin plugs found on electric razors, toothbrushes and the like UK is more of a pub culture than cafe, we certainly have franchise chains infesting the high streets but nothing close to the european cities because come the end of the work day they all close. That said a lot of pubs are branching out into offering other options to a pint, tea and coffee being some of them. Ties into the long winter nights where late night cafes with a terrace just wouldn't be as practical

[@adamlea6339]

It is also because of the very high cost of land here. When developers buy a plot of land, they try to cram as many properties in the space as possible by making them as small as they can get away with, then flogging them for high prices because demand for housing is so high compared to supply.

[@buzzlopavich]

Lots of great points here - I think some of the differences are due to the lack of wealth here compared to the US - we are rich, but probably not rich enough that the majority of us would be able to us HVAC systems (though I agree- they are a lot better than radiators). The doctors appointment thing infuriates me - we have a centralised healthcare system, it should be so easy to create an app so that you can efficiently give out appointments. The NHS is amazing - but so many things could be changed to make it better.

[@colleenrussell4228]

Yes i agree about the power in bathrooms. I've lived in 6 houses in scotland and every one has had a electric cable trailing through from the hall to the bathroom for an extra heater in winter.. No shaving, elecric toothbrush in in my kitchen, curling tongs hair drying, all has to be done in another room!!