Shelly Werner

Name: Shelly Werner
Age: 31
Born: Cleveland, Ohio U.S.A
Lived in Scotland: Since 1998

"I travelled to Scotland with a BA in Anthropology gained at Cleveland State University tucked into my suitcase. Following my successful completion of an MPhil in Archaeology at the University of Edinburgh, I excitedly took a step up my chosen career ladder to land part-time work as a GIS Projects officer for Royal Commission of Ancient Historical Monuments.

"My thirst for knowledge not quite quenched, and encouraged by contacts made through my post graduate programme, I embarked on PhD degree in Geography. My ambition to pursue a career in archaeology has been further fuelled by my living environment.

"Settled in the capital city of Scotland, I am surrounded by architectural beauty and monuments such as the Scott Monument in the city centre and the pigeon statues on Leith Walk.

"If city life starts to jade my enthusiasm, I simply take advantage of the efficient transport services within the city to drift towards more natural landscapes of Scotland, visiting one of the many impressive hill forts, such as Traprian Law or sandy beaches. My favourite is Lunan Bay on the eastern shoreline in Angus.

"I have fallen in love with the natural and archaeological monuments throughout Scotland.

"Having lived in Scotland for over eight years now, I feel settled and have not yearned too much for home comforts.

"One of the things I initially missed most from my hometown in Ohio was the availability of Eastern European food, especially pierogies (a staple of the eastern European, half moon shaped, dumpling, filled with various mixtures such as cabbage, onion, potato and cheese). 

"Thanks to the ever-expanding cultural diversity of Edinburgh’s culinary scene this has been remedied and my cravings have been fulfilled.

"My tip for people coming to live in Scotland is that rented flats/apartments are typically fully furnished, including beds. Some agencies/owners may offer semi-furnished or unfurnished, but this is not common and will be advertised."

Related Links

• Edinburgh University
• Edinburgh City
• Historic Scotland