London continues to draw in proud Scots

23 2008
Thousands of Scots living in London are gearing up for a month-long celebration of Burns Night.

The UK capital is as popular as ever with those from north of the border, with an estimated 400,000 native Scots currently working or studying in the city, many of whom are renting private accommodation.

In addition to being drawn to London by the prospect of good jobs and a vibrant cultural scene and nightlife, many are also swayed by the city's strong ex-pat community.

Institutions such as the Caledonian Club, located in the heart of the city, as well as professional societies all ensure that Scottish cultures and traditions are upkept, even though the people are hundreds of miles away from their homes.

Eddie Tait, founder of ex-pats association Scots in London, told the Daily Record: "In our organisation, we have identified a much greater desire for Scottish people to join together, whatever their political persuasion.

"They have a chance to meet people they haven't met before, with the fact that they are Scottish being the common bond," he added.

The 400,000-strong population of first and second-generation Scots in London is larger than the populations of all of Scotland's cities except for Edinburgh and Glasgow. ADNFCR-1219-ID-18437955-ADNFCR

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