Army spouse Lucy tells us about her family’s experience of a posting north of the border…


How long have you lived in Scotland?
We have lived in Colinton in Edinburgh for three years.

What’s your quarter like?
Nice! The garden is a sun trap – when Scotland gets graced with a sunny day. The best part of our quarter is its location. We are in Colinton village, which offers shops and eateries and is a ten-minute walk from the stunning Pentland Hills – great for running and dog walks. We’re on a direct bus route into the city centre.

Do you work?
I don’t currently work, but I’m studying from home and I was the musical director of the Edinburgh Military Wives Choir for a while. Being close to the city there are plenty of job opportunities and the area is well placed for a commute into the city.

How have you found schools/childcare?
Both of our children attend a nursery about ten minutes away as the local pre-school and crèche only take children from two years. It’s been a great pre-school education for them and they both love it. It’s been good for them to mix with children off the patch as well as making good pals through the military community. They’ve made some really good friends that we’ll definitely keep in touch with.

Where do families get together?
There are weekly coffee mornings run by the welfare team and Sharpe’s Retreat (the local welfare facility) gets used most days. Thursday afternoon’s craft club is the highlight of our week. Edinburgh is such a vibrant city, so there is heaps to do outside of the military community. Museums are free – the National Museum is a must, with or without children – and there are so many beautiful outdoor areas to explore; beaches, hills, parks – Edinburgh has a lot to offer.

What do you enjoy most about living in Scotland?
There is so much to do. We are kicking ourselves for not having ventured north more during our time here but we will certainly come back to explore more. It’s further away from family and friends than other postings, but at least when people come to stay you can really show off where you live! I love being so close to the beach and having the best of both worlds – city and countryside – on our doorstep.

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