Anne Steinberg

The Fine Art of Living

Name: Anne Steinberg
Age: 31
Born: Cheshire
Lived in Scotland: 1 year

Anne Steinberg has a new rule in life.

“Moving cities at my age is quite daunting,” she explains. “I did worry that it would be hard to make new friends, so I made a pact with myself and adopted a ‘say no to nothing’ policy.”

So far, so good. Anne’s strategy has seen her join a book club, bag her first Munro (Scottish mountain) and rediscover clubbing.

Clubbing

“I thought I was too old for clubbing but being able to call it a day and be home in bed half an hour later makes a massive difference,” she laughs. “That makes going out a whole lot easier.”

To say that Anne is pleased to be in Scotland is something of an understatement.

“I’m ecstatically happy,” she exclaims. “My quality of life is completely transformed.”

Positive

“What’s really struck me is how friendly everyone is. When I tell people that I’ve moved here from London they’re just so enthusiastic and positive about the fact that I made the decision to move to Scotland. They get out maps and recommend places to go.

“People seem to have wanting to be here in common and they just welcome you into the fold. I have a real network of friends already.”

No regrets

“When I told colleagues that I was moving away from London, some of them thought I might regret it, career-wise. But I can honestly say that I haven’t regretted it for a minute.”

Not surprising, when you consider that Anne now works for the National Galleries of Scotland. Her office is housed at the picturesque National Gallery of Modern Art, which recently won the prestigious £100,000 Gulbenkian Prize for Museum of the Year.

Artworks on loan

“I love working here. I organise loans of artworks to galleries and museums all over the world. Every day is a challenge and I’m learning all the time. And there’s no horrendous commute to work. I cycle here everyday.”

She raises her eyebrows: “And even on an arts salary, I can see myself being able to buy property here in the future. That was completely off the scale in London. In the meantime I don’t resent paying rent – I feel like I’m getting a lovely lifestyle in return rather than just pouring money down a bottomless pit.”

Shopping

I was never really a Londoner at heart. Moving to Scotland felt like coming home.”

So, is there nothing about the bright lights of London life that Anne misses?

“Friends, obviously. Although with all the cheap flights available nowadays I had to put a ban on visitors during the festival. Otherwise I’d have been inundated with people.

“Oh,” Anne gives a guilty smile. “I miss the big Top Shop at Oxford Circus. Although I’ve recently discovered Glasgow for shopping. You know, I don’t think there’s a happier bunch of people than Glaswegians shopping on a sunny Saturday!

“I was out in my little garden the other day, picking mint, and I realised how happy I am here. I have absolutely no intention of leaving.

“And now I have an incentive to finally learn to drive, so I can start exploring Scotland properly.”

Insider Info

Anne says: “Have lunch at the Fruitmarket Gallery and then take in an exhibition.”

Information correct at Oct 2007