Setting up business in Scotland

[Siorai]

My husband and I are in our early 50's. We wish to leave the rat race here in USA and move to Scotland to set up a B&B there. We believe we'd be good for local economy in that we'd use local sources for food, beverages; bring in a target market of golfing and outdoor enthusiasts who would use the local amenities (golf courses, restaurants, and the like), and employ a couple of people to help run the business (landscaping and housekeeping).

I've put together a tentative business plan, but have hit a roadblock with immigration laws in UK. My hubby and I are Americans with no immediate Scottish/English/EU heritage. Nor do we have bags and bags of money at our disposal.

However, we have a VERY generous friend who will purchase the property for us (nice to have wealthy friends) in exchange for room & board for himself and his employees (he runs a large business in USA) whenever in the area. In addition, we'd pay him back for the loan itself in monthly installments - much like a traditional mortgage at current interest rates.

I don't know how to address the UK immigration restrictions. We'd be no risk for the government - except if we should need emergency medical treatment, and that's no different than any tourist or other person in the UK, whatever the length of their stay. And we can always return to the USA, should the business fail (knock on wood), as we are not planning to sell our homes, but to let them out whilst we're abroad.

So, here's my real question: Would putting together a formal business plan increase our chances of being let in to Scotland on an extended visa? Would doing so prove both our desire and ability to make such an operation viable, and, thus, prove how little risk we are?

Your advice is most appreciated...

[jedimistress]

B and B's a very seasonal as is the tourist season. Many people have a B&B as a secondary income. Do you know which part of Scotland you would be coming to?

I'm not sure if you would get a visa as I know nothing about this, but I'd imagine a visa on speculated income rather than actual income to show how you are going to support yourself 12 months a year may seem a little harder to get.

[Siorai]

Jedimistress -- I'm sure you're correct about the difficulty of obtaining a visa based on speculative income; that's why I'm at this site! I' like to move to the area near Aviemore (in the Highlands, just off the A9), but am open to any place. We plan to purchase an established B&B, so we'll be buying not only a property but a business as well. This should make speculating our income a bit easier and more realistic. In addition, because we won't be selling our home in the US, we can live off the rental income during the slower periods of the year. However, if we can place ourselves in the vicinity of the Cairngorms, we might be able to tap into the skiing holiday market and thus flesh out the leaner winter months.

Honestly, if you know someone or know of someone who has attempted a similar scheme, please have them write me with advice!

And, thanks for your input as well!!

[Colmc54]

I would wait for the possible Yes vote for independence in September before you decide anything.

The UK will be thrown into political and economic chaos and there will be a huge upsurge of acrimony that could affect tourism in Scotland from what remains of the UK.

It's not long now till the vote so don't do anything before then.

I've heard of people putting in offers on Scottish properties that are conditional on a No vote.

I was in the Highlands three weeks ago and I noticed that there seemed to be a lot of B and B businesses for sale in Argyll where we were at least.