Brain drain: would you leave Glasgow behind?

Oct 23 2008 By Frank Hurley

WINTER looms, recession is upon us, jobs are disappearing like snow off a dike and the floor has caved in on house prices.

No wonder more and more Glaswegians are seriously considering a new life abroad.

Glasgow is leading the brain drain to countries such as Australia and New Zealand according to the Emigration Group, whose latest report says emigration inquiries in Glasgow are double the average in other cities and towns.

The group says they're so busy with inquiries in the city they've set up a big seminar to inform fed up Scots how to make a life-changing leap abroad.

But is it really time to jump what many people regard as a sinking ship?

Or is the emigration peak simply a seasonal hiccup in city life?

To find out we asked Glaswegians: Ever thought about emigrating ?

Richard Evans, 19, a performance design student at the RSAMD, said: "Maybe when I finished my course. Emigration is something I've thought about.

I would like to see different countries.

"It's not that I am tempted to leave because of the state of our country's economy.

It's just that my choices would be warmer places to live than Scotland.

At 75 twice-widowed Bill McCubbin is a dyed-in-the-wool Glaswegian who wants to spend the rest of his days in his beloved city in his hometown's west end.

He said: "My grandad was tempted to go to South Africa or New Zealand when he was young, but he didn't.

"I was stationed with the American 12th Armoured in Egypt while doing my National Service during the Korean War.

So I've seen a bit of the world but I don't regret not emigrating, I love Glasgow."

Jamie Kerr, 27 and an engineer living in the west end, said: "I've thought about it a bit but so far haven't acted on it.

"New Zealand is too far away. But somewhere in Europe that's a lot warmer - Spain or France - could be tempting."

Jane Norris, 50 and a child minder living in Millerston, said: "Absolutely not. I was born in Glasgow and brought up in Woodlands and Knightswood.

"I still come to the west end with my sister to wonder around because this part of old Glasgow is a fantastic place.

"I've been to see my sister in America but wasn't tempted to stay. I think Glasgow is the greatest place in the world."

Her sister, mother-of-two Isobel Carrick, 40, said: "No way would I leave Glasgow.

For a start I would miss my kids and Glasgow too much.

"I did go to Florida 20 years ago to visit my sister. I've never been back. Abroad is OK for holidays but Glasgow has always suited me just fine. I love it."

Linda Hughes, a 49-year-old psychology student from Yorkhill, said: "If I had the money I would definitely emigrate.

"Living and working abroad appeals to me as I get older. Glasgow is too crowded for me now, somewhere in the countryside that's warm like southern France or Italy."