Nomads Take Scotland

There’s a new crowd heading to Scotland. “Digital nomads” embrace the country’s high quality of life, relative affordability, and reliable infrastructure. Castles, kilts, Highland cattle, and haggis, anyone?

Digital nomads are people who travel while working remotely. Traditionally, many digital nomads moved locations frequently. They often temporarily settle in countries with lower costs of living in order to save money.

These days, more workers are embracing trends dubbed “slomading.” That’s staying in one location for an extended period instead of moving every few weeks. Others head toward higher cost countries.

The United Kingdom was not overly popular among digital nomads in the past. It’s not considered a good location for geo-arbitrage. That involves earning income in a strong currency while staying in a place with a lower cost of living. An example would be earning a salary in U.S. dollars while living in Bali, Indonesia. This strategy allows remote workers to maximize their purchasing power and savings. It lets them stretch their incomes. 

Still, Scotland does offer more affordable alternatives than many other wealthy Western nations. 

Edinburgh is the priciest city in the country. But a comparison by internet database Numbeo shows Edinburgh’s cost of living, including rent, is 28.1% lower than that of London, England. It’s 46% lower than New York City.

Glasgow is Scotland’s largest city by population. It costs 9.9% less to live there than in Edinburgh. Prices drop even more in the countryside. Dundee is an hour’s train ride from Edinburgh. That coastal city is 23.5% cheaper than Edinburgh. It’s 44.9% lower than London. 

One of Scotland’s benefits for digital nomads is its public transportation system. Even those outside major cities can still be connected quickly. A high-speed train from Edinburgh to London makes it easy to get around.

Plus, traveling into the country is fairly easy for U.S. citizens. American tourists can stay in the UK for up to six months. U.S. citizens cannot work for a UK company during that time or use public benefits.  

Scotland’s largest cities offer busy urban environments. There’s access to modern amenities, coworking spaces, and plenty of things to do. 

But some nomads seek out rural areas like the Scottish Highlands. While internet connectivity and amenities are more limited, they offer peace and quiet. The Highlands are known for their beautiful landscapes. That’s inviting for digital nomads looking for a lifestyle that takes them off the grid and outdoors for activities like hiking and camping. 

Why? As technology advances around the globe, it changes the ways people live and work.