My Expat Story - I Moved to Scotland
By Helen McGregor
At 56, I did something a little unconventional—I left my life in New Zealand to relocate to Scotland. It’s been a whirlwind of change, adventure, and self-discovery, and I’d love to share my story with you.
I’m a proud Kiwi, born and raised in New Zealand, with my roots firmly planted there. My family, including three children and seven grandchildren, is still back home. While I cherish them dearly, I’ve always been drawn to Scotland. My father’s heritage lies there, and family history has always fascinated me—especially stories like my grandmother working at Bletchley Park during WWII and a distant relative perishing on the Titanic.
Becoming an Outlander
Years ago, I read Diana Gabaldon’s Outlander series on the recommendation of some crafting friends. That ignited my interest even more, and I joined a Kiwi Outlander fan page, meeting wonderful people during a fan gathering weekend. It was around my 50th birthday, and I was rethinking my life, wanting to do more for myself.
In 2018, I finally made it to Scotland. I attended a Highlander event in Birmingham, went on an Outlander-themed tour, and explored Ireland, Orkney, Paris, and England. It was incredible—and it marked the beginning of the end of my marriage. I knew I needed a fresh start.
I planned to return to Ireland and Scotland, but COVID delayed everything. Four years later, I made it back, reconnecting with a Scottish tour guide friend. That trip sealed my decision—I was going to make Scotland my home.
Thanks to my ancestry visa, I relocated in November 2023. Initially, I stayed with my tour guide friend (now my partner) on the Isle of Lewis while waiting for my house in New Zealand to sell. Though I initially thought I’d settle on the mainland, I fell in love with life on the island and ended up buying a home just down the road.
Mastering Understatement
Moving to Scotland has been a mix of excitement and adjustment. For one, I had to learn a whole new set of words and phrases! My Kiwi sayings often confused people. Saying “I’m completely shot” (meaning exhausted) led to worried looks, and words like “pants” (trousers) and “gumboots” (Wellies) caused a few laughs.
Island life has its quirks—sheep lounging on the roads, unpredictable ferry schedules, and a seemingly endless winter season. The weather is definitely something to adapt to. A “wee bit breezy” here can mean you can’t stand up, and “just a little rain” often arrives sideways with gusto.
But the people? They’re incredible. I was nervous about moving to a place where religion plays a big role, but the community here has been nothing but welcoming. I’ve also found connections with other Kiwis and Australians visiting the islands, which makes me feel even more at home.
Tidelines and Skippinish
What do I love most? The stunning landscapes, the rich history, and the vibrant music scene. Gaelic is still widely spoken on the islands, and I’m slowly learning it. Local bands like Tidelines and Skippinish have become favorites, and their songs about island life strike a chord with me.
Of course, I miss some things from New Zealand—Watties tomato sauce, green onion chips, and cricket (rugby isn’t quite the same here). But the humor of the Scots, their resilience, and their ability to laugh at themselves have more than made up for it.
Relocating later in life isn’t easy, and leaving family behind was hard. My friends had mixed reactions—some were jealous, others thought I was mad. But I knew I’d regret not taking this chance.
Now, as I sit in my cozy home on the Isle of Lewis, looking out over the windswept landscape, I feel content. Scotland has embraced me, quirks and all, and it truly feels like home.
So, if you’re dreaming of a fresh start, I say go for it! Life’s too short not to.
