So why the wannabescot? Well it works on so many levels.
My better half Gillian is a true blue Scot and she insists I am a Wannabe Scot, due to my love of all things Scottish, with the possible exception of deep fried mars bars, deep fried pizza and the evil midge.
The delicious deep fried mars bar
The evil Scottish midge
She may be right, but I am also a wannabescot as I am looking forward to the day we can move back to Scotland and actually live there.
What was that? Why can’t we live there now? A reasonable question. Put simply, I can’t afford to just yet as I cannot get a job there and can’t afford to retire. And am for from being independently wealthy. But I am still doing ok. For I am an oily. I joined the Oil and Gas business many years ago when prices were high, investment was guaranteed and the future seemed rosy. My expectation then was that one day I would return to Scotland after a successful career overseas and potter around, seeing out my career consulting in and around Aberdeen.
Sadly, especially for Aberdeen and the thousands of my contemporaries who used to work in and around the city, there is not much of an industry left to consult to. The majority of companies I knew and had good relations with are either gone or much diminished. I am still fortunate in being employed. The problem is, I am employed around 3500 miles from where I would like to be.
As problems go, there are worse ones to have and I recognize I am lucky to be in the situation I am in. But it’s true, the grass is always greener and I get horribly homesick.
But, I am working to get us all where we want to be, as I am not alone in this particular situation. I am here with my wife Gillian, my daughter Sarah and not forgetting Snuggles the almost West Highland Terrier and Squeak the indestructible cat.
This is the wannabescot family (Dubai Branch). Our extended family is, for the most part, back in Scotland. Another driver for us to get home. As we get to know each other better, you will meet the rest of the gang. You will just have to be patient.
In the next thrilling installment, I hope to share some of our recent adventures from our summer vacation at home in Craigellachie. We’ll take a look at the NC500 route, driven in an Aston Martin DB9. The sumptuous Ackergill Tower hotel near Nairn. A visit to an amazing gin distillery and the high lite for me, the installation of my new garden shed. I love my shed.
So until next time, Haste ye back.
Graham the wannabescot
This is the wannabescot family (Dubai Branch). I’d been wondering about the wannabescot but I now knoe that it’s love for Scottish things…🤩👀🌹
Better believe it. What’s not to love. Apart from midge and deep-fried confectionary 🙂
Life in herself is love. What’s midge and how taste the deep fried confectionery…🤩💪
midge are small, evil, biting insects that deny all know repellants. and deep fried confectionary is – an acquired taste.😂
Seriously…that insect should have an award for such rigidity and repellant degree. Do enjoy yourself, Graham💪🤩
Its worse on the West coast of Scotland. The evil midge seems to thrive over that side. They can have them. I like my blood inside of me, not flying around in a million bloated little beasties 🙂
This your extended family is, for the most part, back in Scotland. This is the wannabescot family (Dubai Branch). So when you get to know each other better, you will meet the rest of the gang. You will just have to be patient then my friend. Love this experience.
thanks 🙂
You are welcome friend. Do enjoy yourself.
I am definitely part of the wannabescot family now. I enjoy your right up and look forward to more.
Welcome to the family 🙂
Thanks pal, I celebrate you my friend
Your cat is cute..I will love to have a cat like that
Sold! I’ll pack him up and get him off to you now. I am far more of a dog person, although after all these years I admit, the cat is starting to grow on me.
Having a big family and tracing bloodline is exciting. You have a wonderful and beautiful family.
Thank You. They have their moments 🙂
Well is she wrong? From what I see you travel a lot but Scotland seems to be so special for you. Looking forward to the nest adventure. Kudos to your wife she is very observant I would say.
Too observant sometimes. But I still love her. 🙂
Oh this is what the wannabescot is all about. I think I’m one too because I love anything Scottish too. You have a very lively family Graham!
Thanks. I hope you carry on reading the articles to enjoy more of life in Scotland and our adventures.
Funny revelation, I read this gigging all through. You have a good sense of humor wannbescot !. I now get to know why and when to use it. haha
Thanks for reading and commenting. My kids might disagree with the sense of humour. They groan whenever I try to be funny but I like to embarrass them. I’m their dad, it’s my job 🙂
This got me laughing hard, I must agree you are sometimes hilarious. Maybe you should get down to their own level, so that they can enjoy the jokes better.
I shall bear that in mind. My old dad used to say, as long as you can laugh at yourself, you are doing ok. Even better if you can get other people to laugh with you.
I had fun reading your adventures wannbescot. Anyway, I’d like to taste the deep fried pizza 🙂
It’s an acquired taste. Good luck if you do taste it. It’s about 3 million calories.
The grass is always greener and I get horribly homesick. 😲 Why you homesick – the evil insect or the 3500miles?
Certainly don’t miss the evil midge. However, I do miss my family. From reading bedtime stories to Small to chatting to wifey and taking the small dog for a walk. The simple family pleasures.
Ha ha ha! There is nothing like staying with the family especially all these routines. Small and wifey can’t wait to have you around then🤩🤩
Wow, Sarah has grown to be a beautiful , all thanks to you Graham and Wifey. Kudos
Thank you. We absolutely agree with you 🙂
👌It’s a great work you guys has done.
Well, it feels lonely staying miles away from where you feel and love to stay. My hope that you will finally settle in Scotland.
Interesting piece.. You used to work in oil and gas?..wow.. That’s where the big bucks is…
Still do. But the buck s are not so big these days. That said, all things are relative. So it’s still a well-paid industry relatively speaking.
This is a brilliant write up Graham. I wish to have a strong family as yours. Home is so sweet when you are with the right family.
Okay I get the wannabeScot name now and it really interesting to know. So have you settled in Scotland now or still thinking about it??
Extended families are cool. I should know For I am in a culture where family can be a very crucial thing. It can suck at times but at most cases I am thankful. The more the merrier I guess.
Most of the time, I agree with you. Occasionally I do crave a little peace and quiet and ‘me’time. But overall, yes family is very important.
Now I can sleep better at night! Hehehe, thanks for sharing! Now, I just have to ask, what’s your take on haggis? I am from Southeast Asia, I went to St. Andrews several times in 2014. I tried the dish 3 times and cannot seem to like it.
Haggis, it is an acquired taste. Took me a long time, but now I enjoy it. Haggis, neeps and tatties, wonderful 🙂
I wish I can go back to Scotland some time in the near future! I would love to try more Scottish dishes.
I am looking forward to some haggis when I get home. But with high quality, fresh ingredients, there is some excellent local cuisine to be had
Cant wait to hear about your adventures from your summer vacation at home in Craigellachie. I know it will be fun perked. 🥰🤣
Read on my friend, check out the posts on Connemara and Ambleside 🙂
sure, I will definitely do that… thanks dear
👍
This insects you call midge are not common in my part of the world..their must be something that can kill them
I think they are indestructible. Must be all the haggis and irn bru they consume 🙂
Can we named your series the adventures of wannabescot then. You are doing a perfect work here entertaining as well as enlightening us too.
Thanks 😁👍
I know after your Summer come a new and reasonable post. Midge is not familiar as insect this me. At least I have learnt new name to an insect called midge.
Evil creatures.
I am still fortunate to be employed. You are actually fortunate!
Very true