Why living in Scotland is different to the rest of the UK
Since Devolution in 1997, the Scottish Parliament at Holyrood can pass laws on devolved matters – in general, those affecting most aspects of day-to-day life in Scotland.
The UK Parliament at Westminster continues to pass laws on reserved matters – in general, those with a UK-wide or international impact. Devolved matters include (amongst other things):
- education and training
- environment
- health and social services
- housing
- law and order
What you need to think about before moving to Scotland
Before moving to Scotland it is worth familiarising yourself with the differences caused by the devolution before you make the move, including:
- school holiday dates
- age of when full time education should begin
- taxation
- housing options
- anti-smacking legislation
Information for Service personnel in Scotland
Welcome to Scotland Guide
The Scottish Government published a Welcome to Scotland Guide detailing information on housing, education, healthcare employment benefits and social care to help inform armed forces personnel and families moving into the country.
Veterans Scotland
Veterans Scotland offers information, advice and guidance on a range of subjects, including health, housing and employment, for veterans and service leavers living in Scotland.
Relevant Policy
The Scottish Government is committed to ensuring that the lived experience of our Armed Forces in Scotland is positive. The RAF Families Federation works closely with representatives from the Defence Policy Unit to ensure the needs of our AF families are taken into account. To find out more about the work that the Scottish Government have done in support of the Armed Forces community, visit GOV.SCOT
RAF presence in Scotland
RAF Lossiemouth is our largest RAF unit in Scotland and is home to 7 squadrons, and a Force Protection Wing all of whom are integral in forming the Northern Quick Reaction Alert (QRA) team. RAF Lossiemouth is in Moray and links between the station and the council are strong. Find out more about the work of the Armed Forces Covenant Partnership in Moray.
