KEEP SECURE, KEEP SAFE - Winter Home Safety Tips

Hints and Tips to safeguard your home this winter

The clocks have “fallen” back and the darker nights are here. Winter is on its way and it is key to safeguard your home. As a tenant you have specific obligations when renting a property.

We have highlighted below some Winter Tips to safeguard your home and some extra steps you can take to ensure you keep up to date with security alerts and information in your area:  

Tenant Obligations

As a tenant of a rented property, it is your responsibility to ensure that you maintain your property in line with your licence agreement. Re-read your lease agreement to see if there are any specific obligations required during Winter such as obtaining empty care checks or notifying your landlord if the property will be empty for an extended period. 

If you are planning on leaving your property empty for a prolonged period over winter (possibly returning home for Christmas).  Often a landlord will require notification if the property is going to be empty for 2 or more weeks.

Relocation Scotland provides an empty care service if required where we can check on your property at regular intervals as needed. Contact us today to find out more

Boiler Checks

One of the biggest risks during winter are frozen pipes. Your boiler should have been checked as standard when you first moved into the property, however this is required to be done annually. So, if it is longer than 12 months since you entered your property make sure to contact your landlord or property management company, so they can arrange for the annual gas safety check.

Heating

KEEP IT ON. Keeping your heating on continually throughout winter is advised. Use your homes central thermostat to control the temperature. By doing this if you are away from the property it will keep the pipes warm and hopefully prevent freezing and excessive condensation.

Security

Review all property security to ensure it is fully working, such as alarms, front and back door locks and security lighting. Relocation Scotland would also advise you to put some form of automated lighting in place for the darker nights and if you will be out of your home for long periods through the day or on holiday. Having your lights on a timer to come on late afternoon/early evening can provide added security and safety when entering the property.

Neighbourhood Watch Scotland – Is a community led initiative which brings local people together to address crime and other safety issues. The programme works closely with local and national police and the regular alerts are a great source of information for crime prevention and awareness. Sign up to the alerts here Neighbourhood Watch Scotland | Sign-up for alerts - Neighbourhood Watch Scotland.

Local neighbourhood watch. Home | Neighbourhood Watch | National network | Local Watch areas | Community crime prevention groups (ourwatch.org.uk)

Nextdoor.co.uk – This is an app/web-based network where local communities come together to share recommendations, highlight area issues and share information as neighbours. Nextdoor

Driving

• DO NOT DRINK AND DRIVE – Please remember that in Scotland we have a zero-tolerance policy in place for drink driving. With the festive season around the corner please be aware of other less cautious drivers on the road, particularly in the wet and icy conditions.

• The weather can be unpredictable during Winter so best to be prepared. Ensure that you have road side assistance in place and the contact numbers are easily accessible. In case of breakdown you should store a rug, spade, deicer and hi viz jacket in your car boot.

• GRIT – It is advisable to obtain a store of ice grit in preparation of the colder weather. Local councils generally only grit main bus routes and pavements so local driveways and paths could be extra slippy in ice conditions.

Insurance

Review your contents insurance. if you don’t have any in place now is the time to secure this. Make sure that your insurance provides suitable cover for contents in case of burst pipes.

If you have any questions regarding our Winter Tips and how Relocation Scotland can help you please do not hesitate to contact us on +44 (0) 1224 648488 or info@relocation-scotland.com today.

RELOCATION & HOUSING IN SCOTLAND

Mary Smith (Managing Director Relocation Scotland) recently sat down with Sarah Harley from leading Scottish Letting Agency “Margaret Duffus Leasing” and David McWilliams and Ben Carter (ICON Relocation) to discuss relocation and the housing market in Scotland today.

They discussed the impact Covid-19 and Brexit has had on the property market and relocation activity in Scotland and an additional focus on what a Relocation Agent looks for in an agent / landlord relationship. Click below to watch

The Foodie Edit - Aberdeen's New Food Scene

Aberdeen – known as the Oil and Gas capital of the UK – is that all we offer? Oil and Gas is only a small part of what this city and the surrounding area has. Could we be becoming a new Scottish food destination? One thing that has changed in the city during the pandemic is the growth of the local Aberdeen Entrepreneur and in particular showcasing local Scottish food.  

Here is a roundup of some of the new restaurants, cafes, street food to try and for those not quite ready to venture out now restrictions have lifted or if you need a treat whilst quarantining, a few options to be able to enjoy in the comfort of your own home (the list is endless this is just a taster…..)

Trellis Coffee Shop - Main Street, Newburgh, AB41 6BL         

Opening Saturday 22nd May. The famous Aberdeen Melt Cheese Toastie shop unfortunately suffered to the hands of Covid early in the pandemic but thankfully the owner has turned her hands to a new coffee shop. Transforming The Udny Arms Hotel in Newburgh - The famous melt brownies will hopefully be available and it’s a perfect spot to stop off before heading for some seal spotting in Newburgh or Golf at beautiful Cruden Bay.

Forest Farm Dairy – Kinellar, Aberdeen, AB21 0SH      

Award winning organic dairy offering Scotland’s first milk vending machines. They sell organic milk, yogurt, artisan gelato and sorbet all from their happy organic cows. March 2021 saw them open their new Farm Shop & Gelateria serving ice-cream, coffee’s, tray bakes and essentials 7 days a week 10am – 8pm. Their self-service Farm shop is open 7 days a week 6.30am – 8pm.

Thorneybank Farm Shop  - Rothienormam, Inverurie, AB51 8XT    

Farm shop providing local homegrown fresh produce from their own farm and local independent suppliers, coffee, cakes and fresh food vending machines. A few local suppliers available include homemade pizza kits from Mikes Pizza Gaff, Organic Meat from Louise’s Farm Kitchen, Yogurt from Rora Dairy and Treats from Bakery Lane.

Bandit Bakery – Rose Street, Aberdeen    

The bread maker from Foodstorey, Aberdeen has gone out on his own and in March 2021 opened a new Artisan Bread bakery on Rose Street, Aberdeen. Offering delicious sourdough breads and vegan cinnamon buns. His products can also be picked up at various organic shops across Aberdeen including the new Rosemount Market.

Muchacho – Rose Street, Aberdeen       

Mexican Street Food. Love Mexican? Look no further than Muchacho. A take away Mexican in town but now offering the new Tacobox and Tacovan. The Taco box is a build your own taco made for sharing and for those based outside the city centre they have Taco Van nights which  and during the pandemic they launched their TACO Night boxes across North East neighbourhoods.  

Not quite ready to venture out to restaurants of cafes why not try some of these home delivery options:

Simply Donuts ABZ     

Get in quick these unique donuts sell out in minutes and its worth setting a reminder to make an order. Kendall offers unique and different flavours using only local Scottish produce– not your typical krispy crème donut. Her donut orders open at 8pm on the first Friday of every month and she offers pick-up and delivery options. If you miss out you can try and pick one up on certain days of the month at Figment Coffee or Forest Farm Dairy. Keep an eye on her Instagram accounts for updates.

Sourcloud Bakes    

Artisan Sourdough Bread and Pastry Maker in Aberdeen City. Orders through the website for delivery or can be picked up on various days from Figment Coffee or Rosemount Market.

Big Manny's Pizza – Holburn Street, Aberdeen, AB10 6BN    

Bringing the NYC style pizza slice all the way to Aberdeen.

Covid has also enabled us to gain access to some of the amazing food scenes the rest of the Scotland has to offer straight to our door as well:

Dishoom – Restaurants across the UK

The best breakfast brunch “Breakfast Naan Kit” – Try the Bacon Naan Roll Kit, may seem like an odd combination but it is truly delicious.

Home X- Home by Nico – From the six by Nico Restaurants across the UK

A new tasting experience every month. Providing you with restaurant quality food that is easy to prepare in the comfort of your own home.  

KEEP SECURE, KEEP SAFE - Winter Home Safety Tips

Hints and Tips to safeguard your home this winter

The winter months in Scotland can be truly beautiful, white dusting of snow on the mountain tops, brisk winter morning walks, hot cocoa and warm cosy fires.

Although important to safeguard your home throughout your tenancy, Relocation Scotland have some additional Winter tips:

Tenant Obligations

As a tenant of a rented property it is your responsibility to ensure that you maintain your property in line with your licence agreement. Re-read your lease agreement to see if there are any specific obligations required during Winter such as obtaining empty care checks or notifying your landlord if the property will be empty for an extended period.

Boiler Checks

One of the biggest risks during winter are frozen pipes. Your boiler should have been checked as standard when you first moved into the property, however this is required to be done annually. So, if it is longer than 12 months since you entered your property make sure to contact your landlord or property management company, so they can arrange for the annual gas safety check.

Heating

KEEP IT ON. Keeping your heating on continually throughout winter is advised. Use your homes central thermostat to control the temperature. By doing this if you are away from the property it will keep the pipes warm and hopefully prevent freezing and excessive condensation.

Travelling away

If you are planning on leaving your property empty for a prolonged period over winter (possibly returning home for Christmas). Check your lease agreement for obligations under these circumstances.

Often a landlord will require notification if the property is going to be empty for 2 or more weeks. Relocation Scotland provides an empty care service if required where we can check on your property at regular intervals as needed. Contact us today to find out more

Security

Review all property security to ensure it is fully working, such as alarms, front and back door locks and security lighting. Relocation Scotland would also advise you to put some form of automated lighting in place. This will deter burglars as it appears that someone is in the property.  

Driving

• DO NOT DRINK AND DRIVE – Please remember that in Scotland we have a zero-tolerance policy in place for drink driving. With the festive season around the corner please be aware of other less cautious drivers on the road, particularly in the wet and icy conditions.

• The weather can be unpredictable during Winter so best to be prepared. Ensure that you have road side assistance in place and the contact numbers are easily accessible. In case of breakdown you should store a rug, spade, deicer and hi viz jacket in your car boot.

• GRIT – It is advisable to obtain a store of ice grit in preparation of the colder weather. Local councils generally only grit main bus routes and pavements so local driveways and paths could be extra slippy in ice conditions.

Insurance

Review your contents insurance. if you don’t have any in place now is the time to secure this. Make sure that your insurance provides suitable cover for contents in case of burst pipes.

If you have any questions regarding our Winter Tips and how Relocation Scotland can help you please do not hesitate to contact us on +44 (0) 1224 648488 or info@relocation-scotland.com today.

LOCAL AREA GUIDES - RELOCATION SCOTLAND APP

Relocation Scotland’s new online area guides are now live. Vamoos can be accessed via smartphone, tablet and desktop

Thinking of moving to Scotland or being repatriated by your company? Relocation Scotland’s new digital guide will be your one stop shop for all the information that you will need to prepare you for your new adventure. Whether it be finding the right area to live, working out monthly costings, setting up bank accounts or travelling with pets. Everything you could need, and more is covered in our APP.

We have launched our new App in partnership with Vamoos.  The app aims to support you throughout your relocation journey and forever more.  

The online guide will enable you to have portable access to our unique location guides before and whilst you are living in your new city.

We provide details regarding everything you could need to know about your Relocation;

• Your personal Relocation Itineraries and Bespoke Relocation documentation

• Housing Information

• Transport

• Telecoms

• Local Compliance Requirements

• Health

• Banking

• Education

• Leisure, Eating & Shopping

Key Features of the App are;

1. Your Relocation – Unique access to your personalised relocation programme, including your viewing itineraries, schooling and bank appointments

2. Destination Guide –All new digital guide providing you with easy access to all the information that you will require throughout your relocation journey from Visa requirements to Eating, Shopping and Things to Do

3. Notes & Pictures – You can share notes and pictures through this handy feature

4. Maps – Access to local area maps both online and offline with general points of interest highlighted.

The Relocation Scotland app can be viewed across several platforms including Smartphones, iPad, Kindle and Desktop, making it accessible to you at home or at work.

Contact us for further information about how you can obtain your unique Login in and Passcode to gain access to everything you could need to prepare you for your move to Scotland.

RELOCATION SCOTLAND - All About Us

The world today is a vast and enticing global economy with opportunities a plenty for those wishing to experience such adventures.

Many Global organisations recognise the importance of offering development opportunities to their staff internationally and what better way to experience living in a new city than as an Expat.

However, being an expat does come with many challenges for individuals and employers alike.

There are several support organisations out there whose main aim is to make the expat experience as smooth as possible for all involved and here at Relocation Scotland, we are just one of many companies looking to do that.

Who is Relocation Scotland and What do we do?

We are often referred to as a Destination Service Provider in the Relocation industry. But fundamentally we like to think of ourselves as your eyes and ears on the ground for individuals and employers.  

We were founded in 1995 by Mary Smith. After years of relocating around the world Mary returned to Aberdeen and felt there was a gap in the market for a service that focused on one key factor, PEOPLE.

Mary’s focus for beginning Relocation Scotland was to share the best of her experiences of being an expat and ensure that every person involved found the relocation process as rewarding and worthwhile as it can be.

Why should I use Relocation Scotland?

There are a huge number of relocation companies in the UK market today. Relocation Scotland is focused in Scotland only. We work with local partners who we trust and follow the same ethos as ourselves.

Our reputation precedes us. We are extremely fortunate that we have been able to support families, individuals and corporate organisations to relocate to Scotland for over 23 years.

We have received several highly commended awards over the years and most recently we were named BP’s Mobility Global Vendor of the year for 2018. This is an accolade we are extremely proud to have received and an award that is given based on their key values of Safety, Respect, Excellence, Courage and One Team.

How can Relocation Scotland help me?

Whether you are an individual looking to move permanently to Scotland or an employee who is being seconded here, Relocation Scotland can offer the bespoke support you require to ensure that your new assignment in Scotland is as enriching and valuable an experience as possible.

Providing local area orientations, bespoke house search, settling in support to temporary accommodation we can support you with all the practicalities of moving to a new city.

You can find more details on our website and please contact us for further information or to discuss how we can build a unique relocation package to suit your individual requirements.

RELOCATION-SCOTLAND.COM IS LIVE!

Welcome to our new Website & Blog

After a few months of development we are happy to finally be able to share the launch of our new Website and Blog.

Take a tour or our new website to see how Relocation Scotland can help you and get in touch . If you are looking to relocate to Scotland or already in the UK and looking for your next move, we are here to help and would love to hear from you.

We hope our new blog will keep you up to date with top hints and tips for your Relocation as well as informing you of some great trips and activities whilst you are here.

 We value your opinion

Please let us know what you think of our new website - all comments and feedback are welcome.