Scotland is one of the happiest places to live in the UK, according to Rightmove’s 2022 Happy at Home study. It is home to several large cities, such as Glasgow and Edinburgh, as well as beautiful countryside. There are several NHS organisations in Scotland, with excellent opportunities for healthcare professionals. Read on to find out more about life in Scotland as an NHS clinician.
Working in Scotland as an NHS clinician
NHS Scotland is the country’s largest employer, with over 160,000 staff. The service is run and funded by health boards like NHS Greater Glasgow and Clyde, NHS Lothian, and NHS Lanarkshire, that provide diverse services to a wide range of patients.
NHS Greater Glasgow and Clyde, Scotland’s largest health board, manages services across multiple council areas, employing around 43,500 staff overseeing 35 hospitals. With a £1.6 billion annual budget, NHS Lothian provides services to a large populations. NHS Lanarkshire, the third-largest health board, cares for over 652,000 people with around 12,000 staff and three district general hospitals.
Scotland is home to a diverse population, that embraces multiculturalism and globalisation.
Living in Scotland:
Scotland is a very diverse area of the UK, with big cities as well as smaller, more rural towns.
Larger cities, like Edinburgh and Glasgow, are home to several heritage sites, such as the Edinburgh Castle, as well as excellent shopping, restaurants and night life. Both cities boast prestigious universities, offering excellent career development and training opportunities, and excellent transport links to the rest of the UK and international airports.
Scotland is also home to smaller cities and countryside – such as Orkney, an archipelago off the northeastern coast of Scotland. Orkney was rated as Britain’s best place to live in terms of quality of life, with affordable housing, low crime and good schools. While the population of the island is small, it is home to a welcoming and diverse community.
Similarly, the Outer Hebrides offers an exceptional standard of living, with beautiful countryside and affordable housing on the coast of Scotland.
Cost of Living
Compared to other European cities, Scotland offers a more affordable living experience. According to numbeo, living expenses (excluding accommodation) in towns like Aberdeen, Dundee, Glasgow, and Edinburgh are significantly lower than in London. Competitive salaries and lower living costs make Scotland an attractive destination.
Schools and Education
Scotland offers optional early education through nurseries and playgroups, ensuring government-backed nursery places for every four to five-year-old. Free school education is provided for children aged 5 to 16.
Scotland houses 19 vibrant and globally renowned universities, such as the University of Edinburgh – ranked in the top 20 universities globally – the University of Glasgow and the University of St Andrews.
Transport
Scotland’s well-connected bus network ensures 95% of the population is within a five-minute walk of a bus stop, facilitating quick and affordable travel within cities as well as between them.
Thing to do in Scotland
Scotland offers a range of activities, from exploring historic landmarks like Edinburgh and Stirling Castles to scenic road trips along the North Coast 500. Hiking enthusiasts can explore trails such as the West Highland Way or climb Ben Nevis. Edinburgh’s Royal Mile and cultural festivals provide historical and lively experiences. It is a great place for families as well as single people to live, with a range of activities to suit everyone.
At Remedium, we support you throughout your journey, from interview preparation to finding accommodation in your chosen location. Our award-winning digital relocation platform, Red Carpet, streamlines the process by assisting with practical tasks like flight bookings, accommodation, banking setup, and more. If you are interested in pursuing a career in the NHS in Scotland, or anywhere in the UK, register with us here!
