Albert Fret and Karol Chojnowski

Name: Albert Fret and Karol Chojnowski
Born: Poland
Age: 26/25
Lived in Scotland: 8 years

Albert Fret and Karol Chojnowski had intended their stays in Scotland to be short term.

But they are now firmly settled in Edinburgh. And their work is having a major influence in persuading others to follow in their footsteps.

Their web portal, www.szkocja.net, provides advice on living and working in Scotland.

Albert said: "It's now the second largest Polish website in the UK with 5,000 visitors daily. And the related web forum for the Polish émigré community has become the top site of its kind.

"The site started out as a way for us to improve our web design skills but its success has made it our primary focus as a result of its earnings and the other commercial activities."

From their own experiences, Albert and Karol have gained an excellent grasp of what matters to newcomers from Poland to Scotland.

Karol has been living in Scotland since 1999 and Albert arrived one year later. Both have since graduated at Napier University in Edinburgh, Karol in 2005 and Albert in 2004.

Life changing

Karol said: "People intending to come to Scotland want information about accommodation and bank accounts. But once they have been here a few months, they realise there is more to life than work and want advice on integrating into the community.

"I came to study at Fife College originally and intended to go back to Poland to go to university," said Karol. "But I saw the opportunity to stay and make a life here so I went for it.

"I have a Scottish girlfriend, the business is doing well and I can't see myself going back now."

Albert added: "The thing that has struck me most about living in Scotland is the friendliness of its people. They are so welcoming. I've made so many friends here. I still have a Polish girlfriend though!

"People in Poland tend to have the impression that London is where everything happens in the UK. But that's so far from the truth, if my experience in Scotland is anything to go by. I think that Scotland stands to gain as more people look for an alternative to London."