As my visa is about to expire, and I am unable to find another company that would grant me a new one, I have to leave Scotland behind. I loved the last 3 years I spent living here, and I was thinking that I would gladly live the rest of my life here. Unfortunately, after Brexit, it is quite challenging for an EU citizen to move here legally.

It is not even about the money, as I'm able to find a new remote job without too much of a problem, but unfortunately not in the UK, where they would sponsor a visa even when I'm offering to cover all the costs myself. Additionally, the government plans to extend the time required for settled status to 10 years. It is even more questionable if I will be able to settle at any point.

It's sad that the UK and, as a result, Scotland seem to grow further and further apart from its neighbours in Europe, even though I never experienced anything but kindness from the people of Scotland.

Nobody probably cares about this random person on the internet having to leave Scotland, but I felt a selfish desire to express my feelings.

I will leave a piece of my heart in Scotland. The sky here always felt so vast and beautiful, and I hope that all people who can live in such a beautiful place will appreciate it more. Try to look at the sky more often; it seems to paint beautiful art pieces every day.

by Rough_Supermarket658

8 comments

  1. ‘Nobody probably cares about this random person on the internet having to leave Scotland, but I felt a selfish desire to express my feelings.’

    There are approximately 5.5. million Scots: the vast majority care and want Scotland to build its own relationship with the EU.

  3. I’m sorry. I can’t imagine leaving. I hope you’ll be able to come back some time.

  4. I’m sorry to see you go. I’m glad you’ve enjoyed your time here, that experience is not lost even if it’s had to come to an end. I hope your next home brings you as much joy, and I’m sorry it’s not with us. But thank you for taking your love of Scotland out into the wider world with you.

    Thank you also for that last paragraph. I love our sky too. I love that you’ve chosen to leave us with that beautiful sentiment.

  5. Without sounding too political this is the problem. We have people who want to work and assimilate here and they have to leave. On the other hand….

  6. Of course we care. I’m heartbroken that this twisted Brexit which the majority of Scots opposed has left you in this situation.

    No doubt in my mind reading your post that, from its being in your heart, you belong here.

    All that is required to be as Scottish as the lochs hills and glens is to pay the place very big complement of choosing to call it home.

    You’ve done that yet beaurocracy is pushing you away.

    In a real sense we’re losing one of our own with your departure.

    Honestly, reading your post thinking how I wish I could change this story.

    Perhaps post what you do up here. You never know your luck. Maybe that person with a job and the ability to sponsor your visa exists and will see your post.

  7. It sucks and I kinda know how it feels. Ok, I was forced to leave because nobody wanted to give me a job and I had a mortgage to pay, but having to leave was one of the hardest things I ever had to do. Leaving home and friends after more than a decade, and having to restart in my 40s was a bitch.

    Good luck to you

  8. To quote an old saying (perhaps obsolete in the days of brexit) HASTE YE BACK!

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