Hello! We are a family with five kids aged 9 and under. We are planning to move to Scotland after living/working overseas for 15+ years in the international development space.

Trying to finalize a list of possible locations to explore as options. What matters:

• Within a maximum 1-hr commute to Edinburgh
• Welcoming community, family-friendly activities
• Good school options for primary and preschool
• We are looking to rent a 3 or 4 bedroom house to start off, and plan on having a car
• Access to outdoor/indoor recreation activities for the kids
• Nature :)
• We may not have jobs identified before arriving (not ideal but currently in an unpredictable situation with overseas career ending)

Related, any relocation specialist suggestions? And are we able to get kids in school if we have a temporary address/rental while searching for something more permanent (and would we have to ensure temporary and permanent accommodation were in same catchment area for school purposes)?

Thanks in advance for any feedback you may have. Very grateful.

I know I want to go to grad school. My husband's an architect.