Andreas Wolff

Name: Andreas Wolff
Age: 32
Born: Berlin, Germany
Lived in Scotland: Three-and-a-half-years

Andreas first came to Scotland when he was 17-years-old in order to improve his English language skills. He stayed in Glasgow for six months.

"I am a self-confessed language junkie!" laughs Andreas. "I started to learn Gaelic on a self-study basis, relying on books and tapes at first. But I had a friendly teacher from the Outer Hebrides who encouraged me to take up a few short courses at the Gaelic college, Sabhal Mòr Ostaig, on the beautiful Isle of Skye. I enjoyed it so much that I jumped at the chance to study there full-time three-and-a-half years later."

Since Andreas enjoyed studying in the Highlands so much, he decided to work for a degree at the University of the Highlands and Islands Institute. "I've had so many memorable holidays in the Scottish Highlands, plus I’ve enjoyed studying here too, so I decided to settle in the area and embark on a BA ( Hons) Degree in Gaelic Language and Culture," he says.

Andreas may have gained his Gaelic degree in the Highlands, but he also had an opportunity to improve his other languages thanks to his wife. "During a visit home to Berlin I met my wife, Jessica Giannotti Gonzalo. We were married on the Isle of Skye in 2006. Since Jessica is Venezuelan/Italian, it has given me the opportunity to sharpen up my language skills!" mentions Andreas.

Both Andreas and Jessica feel fortunate to be in Scotland. Andreas says: "We have both benefited from Higher Education in Scotland. In fact, Jessica is now a student of Marine Science in Oban, and I am finishing my honours year at college.

"Although I miss German bread, we have settled happily into our rural lifestyle in the Highlands. We enjoy the scents, the scenery and the relaxed attitude of the locals. Here, we don’t crave materialistic success. Instead, we appreciate the friendliness, the honesty and the kindness of the Scottish people who now share our lives."

Information correct at April 2007

Related Links

• Sabhal Mòr Ostaig