Viktoria McGuinnty

From Russia, With Love

Name: Viktoria McGuinnity
Age: 27
Born: St Petersburg, Russia
Lived in Scotland: 6 years

Since arriving in Scotland six years ago, Viktoria McGuinnity has successfully completed her Masters, started a career as a business manager in the NHS and married her Scottish boyfriend.

“I think Scottish people are very similar to Russians. My first impression was that everyone is really easy going and I’ve never had any problems,” says Viktoria McGuinnity.

“Scotland is my home now. Russia is my motherland.”

Felt like home

It’s clear that Viktoria is happily settled in Scotland and has felt that way from the very first day.

“I came over in 1999 to visit some Scottish friends for Christmas. Scotland just felt like home from day one. I started my Masters the following September.”

Viktoria studied linguistics and modern languages in Russia and socio-linguistics in Scotland.

“The system is quite different. I think universities here are slightly better – you specialise, look at things in more detail.”

Glasgow accent

“Of course, when I first came here, the Glaswegian accent was a big shock but like anything, you get used to it. In fact, I focused on the Glaswegian accent for my dissertation, looking at how accents are connected to social background, age and gender.”

Viktoria now works in Yorkhill hospitals in Glasgow and co-ordinates projects as part of the NHS Agenda for Change.

“I’m enjoying my work. There are plenty of opportunities for training and I’m getting good experience.”

And with more direct international flights from Scotland than ever before, Viktoria doesn’t even get a chance to feel homesick.

Direct flights

“I do miss family and friends but I go back once or twice a year and I really enjoy it.

“There are direct flights from Glasgow to Moscow but it’s actually quicker for me to fly to St Petersburg via Prague. I leave first thing in the morning and I’m there by lunchtime!

“My mum and dad came over for the wedding and really loved Scotland too. We were lucky with the weather!

“They haven’t travelled much so we took them to the Highlands, all over. They were really impressed and amazed to see so many beautiful places in just one week.”

Chatting

And because other members of Viktoria’s Russian family couldn’t make the trip, she and Gerard went to St Petersburg a year later to celebrate their first anniversary and enjoy a belated wedding party.

Nowadays, Viktoria has a distinct Glasgow twang to her Russian accent and she thinks she knows why.

“Glaswegians are such a friendly bunch, always chatting! Even bus drivers chat away. I’ve never met such chatty people.

“If you’re coming to Scotland and you’re worrying about it, don’t worry. It’s so easy. I’ve never had any problems. If you’re from another country, Scottish people will make you feel at home.”