Scotland or Cyprus – Where Will My Next Chapter Be Based?

One thing is certain: it won’t be here in Greater London!

Why? The weather is a big consideration. Planning fun things around the weather here often means having several ‘what ifs’ in place. And, increasingly, London just doesn’t feel like the place I grew up in.

So, why Scotland or Cyprus? Because two completely contrasting lifestyles are on offer, and I’m exploring which one might suit my next chapter best.

Scotland: Dramatic scenery and a slower pace of life

The weather? Much like Greater London – unpredictable, but with even more rain!

However, the scenery in Scotland’s semi-rural and coastal areas is wonderfully atmospheric. Property is generally more affordable, too, although council tax can be considerably higher, with annual increases adding to the cost of living.

The idea of a home surrounded by beautiful scenery, with the coast on my doorstep, is certainly appealing.

But there’s more to choosing a place to live than the view from the window.

Cyprus: Sunshine, outdoor living and a Mediterranean lifestyle

In Cyprus, life could mean far fewer weather-related ‘what ifs’. With an estimated 300 days of sunshine in most parts of Cyprus a year, an outdoor lifestyle beckons.

More walking, more time outside and the opportunity to embrace a Mediterranean-style diet all sound appealing. The prospect of being able to plan a day without constantly checking the weather forecast is pretty attractive, too!

But would the reality live up to the dream? Time for some investigation.

Scotland: A reality check

We recently undertook a short recce to Inverness, basing ourselves in Elgin so we could explore the Moray coast.

Our travels took us to Banff, Nairn, Lossiemouth, Cullen, Buckie, Elgin and Burghead. We spent time exploring the coastal areas, looking at local housing and checking out the shops and amenities.

The scenery was beautiful, but something else became clear: access to everyday essentials, from shops to doctors, could be hit and miss.

Could I see myself living there in my 80s, when even popping out for a pint of milk might mean getting in the car?

Probably not.

And then came the moment that really brought it home.

We needed to return our hire car with a full tank of petrol before our 7am flight. That meant finding a 24-hour petrol station – which turned out to be more than an hour’s drive away!

Beautiful scenery is one thing. Practicalities are another.

So, where does that leave me?

For now, Scotland is parked, and Cyprus is firmly in my crosshairs.

Our next recce is planned for November, when we’ll have the opportunity to explore Cyprus and see whether the reality matches the attraction.

Will it be sunshine and Mediterranean living, or will Scotland tempt me back?