Hi, We did. We hired www.marriagevisahelp.com back in February. It took us a few weeks to compile all the necessary documents. My settlement visa was granted last week. We did not use a premium service - I was applying from the US, otherwise we would have probably been approved within a couple of weeks. We both believe that we were fortunate to have contracted their services, which we can now appreciate resulted in a speedy resolution of the visa process. The UK Border Agency is reported as being somewhat over-whelmed and disjointed and without marriagevisahelp.com (our case worker Philip was absolutely amazing to say the least), we could have been floundering in their system along with many others. I am finally joining my hubby in Glasgow next week! Angela.

Glasgow (prob 3rd/4th largest in the UK)is the largest city in Scotland, followed by Edinburgh, then Aberdeen so not that small. I would google .Aberdeen is know as the granite city.Has a good business structure as it is an oil city, therefore would B a diversity of peoples there, ie Americans, English etc.Is considered 1 of the best cities in Scotland 2 live in. I think U would like it there.

We are a family of 3 and lived in Banchory,Scotland for a total of 4 years. We had 2 hitches of 2 years each. The first hitch we had a school age son and he much preferred the American School. Our company provided tuition and most companies do the same. We went back for the second time 11 years later and the people remembered us and we have friendships today with these people. Do not take your electrical appliances as they have different electricity and you can buy whatever you need. I would especially reccommend buying an American-sized icebox and deepfreezer as theirs are very small. The people were always very friendly. Americans too often make a fatal mistake---they expect everything to be like the States and it is not. You have to remember you came there for the adventure and change. relish and enjoy it. The countryside is beautiful and filled with places to see and go and enjoy. The health system is socialized and at first it is confusing; but you just have to learn how to operate. UNDER NO CIRCUMSTANCES act like an arrogant Know Everything American. Revel in the new experiences and enjoy. It will be a joy to learn how to shop in small villages and how to use their public transport. My wife and I would move back quick if the opportunity arose. We made friends that we stay in touch with today. A final thought: You will actually learn to enjoy the benefits of walking. The countryside is so varied and beautiful and completely safe that you will enjoy walking. I've actually begun to search through and answer ads on homeshare.com. We thought that renting from and with a local was really the way to go. We have done it in every country so far and it's how we learn so much more about a country and a place. If you know someone who wants to rent a room to two expat boomers (who are quiet!!!) let me know. We are very excited about being in Scotland. Just wish I could find a place to live. :)

Contact the British Embassy Observatory Dr, Washington DC, tho U may want 2 consider U'r fiancee moving 2 Chicago. A lot of big changes going on in the UK & not 4 the best. I should add I would be getting a fiancee visa which I hope will allow me to live in the country.

I would think it pertains to U having a relationship(living 2 gether) 4 5yrs 2 U being there(not long distance), either in a relationship &/ married.The settlement period prob means if the "relationship is decided 2 B fraudulent / ends B4 the 5 yrs U would not have work permit renewed/B deported.I'm sure it's similar 2 US. Did U C the movie Green Card> that should give U some ideas.

I would say Edinburgh & Glasgow R just as viable 4 a B & B, because of the tourism & being within 50 mls of 1 another,wherever 1 is staying can always go to visit the other. Bear in mind if U want 2 stay more than 1 day in the other prob best 2 stay in B&B there as train fare back & forth is 56quid The solicitors' property centres are a good place to start to guage property prices throughout Scotland, e.g. ESPC for Edinburgh, GSPC for Glasgow etc. Right now Aberdeen and Edinburgh are the most expensive places to buy, however depending on the clientele you want to attract Aberdeen might be a good bet business-wise due to the oil industry. Accommodation there is never cheap. If it's holiday-makers you want then speak to VisitScotland to see if they have visitor statistics for different areas/towns.

Oops - not www.cityletes.co.uk it's www.citylets.co.uk City Lets was mentioned on another thread (www.cityletes.co.uk). This is a property portal where many letting agents advertise their properties. The other resource is www.pspc.co.uk which is the Perthshire Solicitors Property Centre and where solictors advertise proeprties for their clients (only solicitors' firms can advertise on this site). Most properties marketed here are for sale but they have a small rental section too. Between the above two sites you should cover almost every property available, however just to be sure you can also look at Rightmove.co.uk and S1rental.com - these will probably have the same properties as City LEts, but occasionalyy you'll find somethiing different. One word of caution about all these sites though - they are often not fully up to date. So call the agents listed - they may also have new properties coming on which haven't been listed yet.

Fettes has a great reputation. Clients of mine chose this school for their children. However I don't know anything about the IB program. You should find housing in different budget ranges within reach of this school (nearer is more expensive naturally).