Bruce Cameron

Name: Bruce Cameron
Age: 38
Born: Chicago, USA
Lived in Scotland: Two years

Bruce Cameron first visited Scotland in 1991 after graduating from the University of Illinois but little did he know that he would one day return and make it his home.

Bruce was born and raised in Chicago and now lives with his six-year old son Laith in Edinburgh where he works as a children and families social worker for Midlothian Council.

He said: "When I graduated in 1991 I did what most students do and set out to see some of the world before starting on the career ladder. I had a great time hitch-hiking my way around Scotland and managed to see quite a lot of the country but it was the capital which made a lasting impression.

"My home city of Chicago is renowned for its architecture but Edinburgh really took my breath away and it was always my intention to return one day. When I went back to the States I worked as a social worker and actually ended up marrying a British national.

"In 2004 we both decided for a number of reasons to move to the UK and Edinburgh was top of our list of places in which to live and work. Compared to Chicago, which has a population of about three million, I've found Edinburgh to be far more 'liveable' and it certainly offers a better standard of life.

"Despite some initial concerns, I had no problem whatsoever in securing a job as there is a real shortage of social workers here in Scotland. Quite a lot of social work in the US is with voluntary organisations and as a result it doesn't pay as well so I was glad to leave that behind.

"As for raising a family, the quality of life is so much better in Scotland and the education system is more advanced. A lot of emphasis is placed on extra-curricular activity which simply isn't the case in the US.

"My son is involved in a number of different sports and drama groups, so much so that he probably has a more active social life than me. I really don't believe that he would've been given the same opportunities back in Chicago.

"I've every intention of staying in Scotland – for me it was always going to be a permanent move and I was delighted that my son was able to settle in so well.  I'd have no problem in recommending Scotland to others as a great place in which to live or simply just to visit."