Clean It Up
UK Window Cleaning Forum => Window Cleaning Forum => Topic started by: nathankaye on February 23, 2019, 11:19:45 am
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So my mrs is wanting a change of scenery and isnt a fan of concrete cities. Loves the dales and my love of scotland.
So she wants me to seriously consider moving us all up to scotland. Selling my work and starting a new.
So im after a bit of advice / research from some of you guys already there.
I think someone mentioned before about needing a liscence to be a window cleaner. How does that work and whats involved?
Is it a saturated market and generally what prices can/do you charge?
(I appreciate that prices vary and vary between each window cleaner like it does here. But a 3 bed basic semi would be between 10 n £15 and yet others may charge between £8 - £10, for instance.)
I know ive mentioned about pricing with confidence before but ive also mentioned how i would hate to start from scratch as ones starting up in areas I work for instance would only be picking up the odd ones here n there. I know its going to be hard work but is there any other advice to take into account please.
Looking for helpful advice to take under consideration for weighing up such a move.
Not sure which part of scotland either, tho i particularly like the west coast or western side of scotland.
Thanks in advance
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Scotland is a big place. The licensing varies from council to council. I'm £150 for 3 years I think, it only covers Aberdeenshire.
You send off the form with a passport photo, a cheque and your liability insurance, the council forward your details to the police who may challenge the application. It takes about a month but I believe other councils have an online application facility, which may be quicker.
As for pricing, again Scotland is big and it's probably just about as diverse in pricing as England. I have family near Dundee, their window cleaner charges 1/2 what I'd charge. My average price is around £15 - £20
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You'll need some serious waterproof gear for the west coast Nath- it rains more than it doesn't the further west and north you go! ;D
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You'll need some serious waterproof gear for the west coast Nath- it rains more than it doesn't the further west and north you go! ;D
I figured that's why he's moving to Scotland. We know what he likes to do in the rain.
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You'll need some serious waterproof gear for the west coast Nath- it rains more than it doesn't the further west and north you go! ;D
I figured that's why he's moving to Scotland. We know what he likes to do in the rain.
😂😂😂
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So my mrs is wanting a change of scenery and isnt a fan of concrete cities.
With the amount of damage you and your hot water could do in one of them I'm not surprised, would be like living on a bomb site.
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You'll need some serious waterproof gear for the west coast Nath- it rains more than it doesn't the further west and north you go! ;D
I figured that's why he's moving to Scotland. We know what he likes to do in the rain.
;D ;D ;D
I aint gonna live that one down for a while
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So my mrs is wanting a change of scenery and isnt a fan of concrete cities.
With the amount of damage you and your hot water could do in one of them I'm not surprised, would be like living on a bomb site.
I know, right ;D
Thats how i check to see if the water is hot enough, if i dont get holes then its a let down.
;D
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I’m in central Scotland, and as soupy has mentioned, prices vary wildly. Licensing is a doddle. (Unless you’ve got a criminal record) I’m also £150 for 3 years covering all of south Lanarkshire.
I have more work than I know what to do with, and could easily expand if I so wished.
Other areas, not so much. Just like anywhere.
It’s easily do-able Nathan. If the move is good for your family then go for it. Aslong as you had say 6 months of savings to get you by, you’d be fine. Within 12 months you could have an established round. It may mean a little bit of extra traveling, but you could Refine it over the years.
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you might have to work more than 2 days a week though nathan to make it pay.........more wet weather working for sure and the dreaded window cleaning licences(ive got a criminal record)......i think your mad to move esp after all the years of building your round up where you are at present.....
each to their own...it might work out ok for you as you can build from scratch so you wont make the same mistakes on pricing that you probably did when starting out first time......but itll be a hard slog the first couple of years id expect.....
i would want at least £20k saved up to get me through the first few difficult years of building up again.....good luck....
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The liscense doesnt seem as bad as i thought, unless i need to expand into different districts as such.
Im in two minds, as you say daz, i have a lot more experience behind me in building up a round, not to make the rookie mistakes, especially in pricing. So from that side im liking the idea.
On the other hand, ive spent alot of time and effort in shaping my work how i have it now. So even though i have experience, i know there isnt any short cuts in getting that again without alot of hard work.
Then theres the selling of my complete round. I have my books from last 10 yrs so people will see its growth and potential still there for more if they wanted. It would just depend if people would pay the asking price.
Food for thought. Thanks for the advice guys, especially soupy n jonny from scotland.
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On the other hand, ive spent alot of time and effort in shaping my work how i have it now.
Yeah but like you say, hopefully you’ve learnt from your mistakes and wont make them again.
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It's a different world, full of beautiful countryside. Far less population than England and house prices/rents in the countryside are very reasonable. On the whole Scotland is not negatively affected by immigration (yet). It can be a very good place to bring a family up. Not everywhere requires a licence either.
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They've got softer concrete apparently - Romans didn't get that far. ;D ;D ;D
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If you decide to sell up give us a shout i would be interested.
Get yourself off! you only live once
i would love to up sticks and start again in a better area but too many family ties round here....
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will you do a video for us ;D ;D ;D
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You could even wear a kilt, wenking in the rain would get much easier!
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will you do a video for us ;D ;D ;D
Its a premium channel buddy if your wanting a vid of me w##king in the rain
😂😂😂😂😂😂
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Its a little scary / exciting thinking about it.
Basically moving and not having a clue about the area but door knocking n building a round again.
Settling in the best posible place in scotland would be key for the family life. But where is the question at the moment, thankfully we're just in the thinking / considering it all stages. Just been looking at oban and their liscense is 250 for the 3 years. Did a search for window cleaners in the same area and they seem to cover an expanse of territory.
Also looked at the east of scotland like aberdeenshire and higher such as inverness.
Either way this is going to take some time deciding.
Cheers for the advice
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Don’t overlook central Scotland and also the borders Nathan.
No license needed for the borders.
For me In central Scotland I’m about 45 minutes from Glasgow and Edinburgh, and an hour and a half from the beauties of up north. It’s the best of both.
Some very rural towns in central and borders, but with compact areas also to build up a good round.
Up north at Inverness and even Aberdeen will
Require plenty driving between jobs. Especially to start.
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There might be a language barrier- I can’t understand what scousers or Scottish people are saying which is why I’d never move to either of those places
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As long as you don’t have a criminal record getting a license isn’t a problem.
I know you say you work in the rain but it’s maybe worth taking into account that the East coast gets a lot less rain than the West. If it’s scenery you’re after Perthshire takes some beating, although it could be a problem trying to build a round as the population is spread over a large area. The east neuk of Fife ( Crail, Elie, St Monans, Anstruther ) is also a very nice area.
If you decide to go for it, you would be better buying a round using the proceeds from selling your work, that way at least you will be earning as you’re trying to build.
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Its a little scary / exciting thinking about it.
Basically moving and not having a clue about the area but door knocking n building a round again.
Settling in the best posible place in scotland would be key for the family life. But where is the question at the moment, thankfully we're just in the thinking / considering it all stages. Just been looking at oban and their liscense is 250 for the 3 years. Did a search for window cleaners in the same area and they seem to cover an expanse of territory.
Also looked at the east of scotland like aberdeenshire and higher such as inverness.
Either way this is going to take some time deciding.
Cheers for the advice
Oi. That's my patch.
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Does it have to be Scotland?
If I could move I would be moving down south where the money is
Wales, Cotswolds, new forest...I'm sure the list goes on.
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I couldn’t live in Scotland, it’s a beautiful place, but the weather would depress me.
Nathan, do consider the weather. if your moving the family for mental health reasons, then remember it’s darker, colder and wetter than almost anywhere else.
I’ve got two friends both from Scotland, and while they love Scotland, they really did not enjoy the weather! It can be quite relentless.
That’s not to say it’s not right for you, but just think about it.
My dad moved to wales from Essex for a job, he soon moved back a few years later. He said the amount of rain they get nearly killed him! Can be depressing if you like warm, sunny, dry weather!!
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I couldn’t live in Scotland, it’s a beautiful place, but the weather would depress me.
Nathan, do consider the weather. if your moving the family for mental health reasons, then remember it’s darker, colder and wetter than almost anywhere else.
I’ve got two friends both from Scotland, and while they love Scotland, they really did not enjoy the weather! It can be quite relentless.
That’s not to say it’s not right for you, but just think about it.
My dad moved to wales from Essex for a job, he soon moved back a few years later. He said the amount of rain they get nearly killed him! Can be depressing if you like warm, sunny, dry weather!!
I hear you! It is something that weighs on our minds. One of the reasons for this is that mentally i expect it to rain in scotland and i expect it to be misty, thats what scotland is lol. Yet i imagine they just get on with things (you guys will have to correct me if im wrong). I can only imagine this as everytime ive gone to scotland, even fort william and climbed ben nevis, its been fantastic weather. Ive enjoyed this but at the same time i felt robbed that i didnt see the scenery in the rain and go for a good walk and come back to an hearty stew.
Also the west coast, benefits from the warmer gulf stream, though sadly ive not spent much time in the west. Ive been to ayr but i dont reckon that counts, tho the views were great. Been coastal in aberdeenshire as well (some great beaches n seal spots)
So even though it may be wetter (need to experience this though), at the moment that doeant seem to bother us, but it might eventually do so, thats a gamble thats on my mind. However the wife does really well with nature and scenic views.
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Its a little scary / exciting thinking about it.
Basically moving and not having a clue about the area but door knocking n building a round again.
Settling in the best posible place in scotland would be key for the family life. But where is the question at the moment, thankfully we're just in the thinking / considering it all stages. Just been looking at oban and their liscense is 250 for the 3 years. Did a search for window cleaners in the same area and they seem to cover an expanse of territory.
Also looked at the east of scotland like aberdeenshire and higher such as inverness.
Either way this is going to take some time deciding.
Cheers for the advice
Oi. That's my patch.
Gi 'im a jab, Soupy.
I considered moving to that Scotland but I don't I could put up with drinking more than I already do.
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Watch the weather forecast on BBC there’s the weather in Scotland then there’s our weather lol,I know it’s only a sign separating us from 1 country but when you watch the forecast it might as well be on its own.
I can’t see you being able to get as much work done up there Nathan compared to where you are,I’d bare that in mind from a financial point of view.
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From mid-center south and east I would say the weather is more akin to living in say the Lake District. These areas will not be too much different to Doncaster apart from colder averages during winter. There are many times parts of Scotland has higher temps than parts of England and Wales. West and North suffer far more wind and rain- akin to many parts of Ireland. Don't tar the whole of Scotland with one brush regarding weather.
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I moved to Ireland in 2011 and started up again from scratch. Some people thought I was mad when I told them I would be starting a window cleaning service there, saying there was no work, or any market for residential window cleaning.
I canvassed incessantly for months and picked up customers of varying regularity and reliability, attracted quite a few non-payers and messers, but ploughed on regardless.
Eight years on, I am well known locally and have built a solid reputation. It's been tough at times, but once I became established, it's become much, much easier to attract the right kind of customers and work, and it's a real pleasure to go out to work these days.
Nathan, if I can do it, then so can you. Best wishes to you and I look forward to hearing how you get on should you decide to make the move.
John
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Does it have to be Scotland?
If I could move I would be moving down south where the money is
Wales, Cotswolds, new forest...I'm sure the list goes on.
But then you’ve got the extra cost of housing.
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Does it have to be Scotland?
If I could move I would be moving down south where the money is
Wales, Cotswolds, new forest...I'm sure the list goes on.
But then you’ve got the extra cost of housing.
True, can buy a 2 bed terraced up my way for 50 - 60 k
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Does it have to be Scotland?
If I could move I would be moving down south where the money is
Wales, Cotswolds, new forest...I'm sure the list goes on.
But then you’ve got the extra cost of housing.
Nail on the head!
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I moved to Ireland in 2011 and started up again from scratch. Some people thought I was mad when I told them I would be starting a window cleaning service there, saying there was no work, or any market for residential window cleaning.
I canvassed incessantly for months and picked up customers of varying regularity and reliability, attracted quite a few non-payers and messers, but ploughed on regardless.
Eight years on, I am well known locally and have built a solid reputation. It's been tough at times, but once I became established, it's become much, much easier to attract the right kind of customers and work, and it's a real pleasure to go out to work these days.
Nathan, if I can do it, then so can you. Best wishes to you and I look forward to hearing how you get on should you decide to make the move.
John
Cheers for that, i appreciate it, as thats my worry really. I know its going to be hard going at first to build some work up, especially with a young family n health. Yet long term I feel it would be great and thats what i would need to focus on.
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Does it have to be Scotland?
If I could move I would be moving down south where the money is
Wales, Cotswolds, new forest...I'm sure the list goes on.
But then you’ve got the extra cost of housing.
Nail on the head!
Not really, £85k a year would more than cover the extra cost of housing.
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Does it have to be Scotland?
If I could move I would be moving down south where the money is
Wales, Cotswolds, new forest...I'm sure the list goes on.
But then you’ve got the extra cost of housing.
True, can buy a 2 bed terraced up my way for 50 - 60 k
Flipping heck!
Might need to invest up your way. Buy to let.
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Does it have to be Scotland?
If I could move I would be moving down south where the money is
Wales, Cotswolds, new forest...I'm sure the list goes on.
But then you’ve got the extra cost of housing.
Nail on the head!
Not really, £85k a year would more than cover the extra cost of housing.
That’s true, but it wouldn’t get him a deposit on a mortgage and it would take at least a couple of years to get to that level.
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Does it have to be Scotland?
If I could move I would be moving down south where the money is
Wales, Cotswolds, new forest...I'm sure the list goes on.
But then you’ve got the extra cost of housing.
True, can buy a 2 bed terraced up my way for 50 - 60 k
Flipping heck!
Might need to invest up your way. Buy to let.
But they let for much less than you might expect! The % on return will be just the same. Might be best to think it through first before exiting your wee bubble!! ;D
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Does it have to be Scotland?
If I could move I would be moving down south where the money is
Wales, Cotswolds, new forest...I'm sure the list goes on.
But then you’ve got the extra cost of housing.
Nail on the head!
Is that in the Cotswolds?
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I couldn’t live in Scotland, it’s a beautiful place, but the weather would depress me.
Nathan, do consider the weather. if your moving the family for mental health reasons, then remember it’s darker, colder and wetter than almost anywhere else.
I’ve got two friends both from Scotland, and while they love Scotland, they really did not enjoy the weather! It can be quite relentless.
That’s not to say it’s not right for you, but just think about it.
My dad moved to wales from Essex for a job, he soon moved back a few years later. He said the amount of rain they get nearly killed him! Can be depressing if you like warm, sunny, dry weather!!
Really, I live on the east coast of Scotland and I’ve not lost a day in about 3 months to the weather..and I don’t work in heavy rain.
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I couldn’t live in Scotland, it’s a beautiful place, but the weather would depress me.
Nathan, do consider the weather. if your moving the family for mental health reasons, then remember it’s darker, colder and wetter than almost anywhere else.
I’ve got two friends both from Scotland, and while they love Scotland, they really did not enjoy the weather! It can be quite relentless.
That’s not to say it’s not right for you, but just think about it.
My dad moved to wales from Essex for a job, he soon moved back a few years later. He said the amount of rain they get nearly killed him! Can be depressing if you like warm, sunny, dry weather!!
Really, I live on the east coast of Scotland and I’ve not lost a day in about 3 months to the weather..and I don’t work in heavy rain.
Aye, it's them weegies that get the worst of it.
(http://www.cleanitup.co.uk/smf/1551112161_045e179b43b7b0ea6393a452d379627c62b668d0.jpg)
(http://www.cleanitup.co.uk/smf/1551112206_source.gif)
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Wow the liscense fees vary quite a bit dont they! I still think they are reasonably priced and perhaps reflects the economy of the catchment area?? ???
So aberdeenshire is £150 for 3 yrs.
Somebody ive been speaking to in paisley is £142 for 2 yrs
I quite like the look of oban and checking on the argyl n bute council website its £251 for 3 yrs.
One option im toying with, especially with the open camping laws of scotland compared to here. Is compacting my current work load into the first three weeks of a month and the last week of each month, traveling up and putting some hard work in and start building a round before i leave everything here. So that i have a starting ground instead.
The hard part im having is the finding of an area as yes scotland is a lovely place and we trully love the west coast. So the hard bit is choosing where we want to settle. Then i can apply for my liscense even though im based here (checked with a couple of scotland councils today) and work on a new facebook page for scotland, and linking that to my normal page and start working on marketing ideas.
Haha i know the likes of trad man wears a kilt but i dont think i will go that far. But i might don an irn bru jacket and see what that brings 😎😂😂
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Oban is a fair trek. It's another two hours, at least, after Glasgow.
I'd consider that if you're thinking of building a round gradually.
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Oban is a fair trek. It's another two hours, at least, after Glasgow.
I'd consider that if you're thinking of building a round gradually.
Absolutely right. Its about 4 hrs to Glasgow and 6 to Oban but maybe less pending where in Argyl n bute.
The chap in paisley said his water is 70 and he uses double DI.
Ive not checked to see if theres any "spotless" stations. Yet i figure the water will be less than 70. Is there a website that can indicate the water hardness of districts??
Thankfully I love driving (tho made a classic mistake of thinking i was on a 40 and saw police doing speed gun and figured i was ok. Then realised too late it was a 30. I was 2mph over the mark 😢.) So i dont mind a stead drive up there on a sunday evening, ready for a monday morning start.
One thing was interesting speaking to this chap and it kinda answers one of my niggles watching trad man's videos. He mentioned that many he knows and in his area, dont clean the frames or sills on wfp. When they switch over from trad they keep the same method of just glass cleaning and dont bother with the frames.
However im not confinced of this, as im sure this has been debated on this forum about peoples techniques and virtually all have mentioned the need to clean the frames.
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I think you’ve gotta ask yourself if this is all realistic Nathan...
My experience is that the grass is never greener, and wherever you live, you take your problems with you. Bare that in mind.
I don’t doubt that the scenery can help people with mental illness, but I’d question whether it’d work in the long term.
It’d be a lot of stress moving, starting a fresh round, just relocating as a whole.
Making new friendship groups etc can be hard as well.
I don’t know, I’m not you, but either you’ll go for it, or it’ll fizzle out when you realise how hard it will be in reality to start a fresh.
Why don’t you condense your work into that first three weeks, then by a static caravan (or whatever) in Scotland and take the family there for long weekends/half terms etc? Best of both worlds then...
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Not quite window cleaning but saturday after a nice lay in (for once), i had the idea of a spontaneous visit to scotland. So had dinner got kids ready and took to the four n half hr drive to ayrshire and booked a bnb so today (sunday) can have a full day to enjoy (and slightly check out the area) castle seeing with the kids.
Drove up in some heavy rain but it nicely stopped half hr before arriving in ayr. Though apparantly its going to be bad tonight after we leave ;D
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Heck of a way for one night 🤪
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Its a little scary / exciting thinking about it.
Basically moving and not having a clue about the area but door knocking n building a round again.
Settling in the best posible place in scotland would be key for the family life. But where is the question at the moment, thankfully we're just in the thinking / considering it all stages. Just been looking at oban and their liscense is 250 for the 3 years. Did a search for window cleaners in the same area and they seem to cover an expanse of territory.
Also looked at the east of scotland like aberdeenshire and higher such as inverness.
Either way this is going to take some time deciding.
Cheers for the advice
Soon as the Scottish hear your English Accent, you won't be getting any work!
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Its a little scary / exciting thinking about it.
Basically moving and not having a clue about the area but door knocking n building a round again.
Settling in the best posible place in scotland would be key for the family life. But where is the question at the moment, thankfully we're just in the thinking / considering it all stages. Just been looking at oban and their liscense is 250 for the 3 years. Did a search for window cleaners in the same area and they seem to cover an expanse of territory.
Also looked at the east of scotland like aberdeenshire and higher such as inverness.
Either way this is going to take some time deciding.
Cheers for the advice
Soon as the Scottish hear your English Accent, you won't be getting any work!
Good job i canndo the scottish accent, not the typical stereotype either. Its one accent i really like, especially the females.
Haha my wife also picks up on accents very easy so i get best of both worlds.....happy days.
But then i can win their trust by blaming it on brexit and ive moved to scotland to add voice to the against vote hahahaha
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My dad's a Yorkshireman. With a thick Yorkshire accent. Never been an issue.
Don't do a 'Scottish' accent. No matter how good you think it is, trust me it's terrible.
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My dad's a Yorkshireman. With a thick Yorkshire accent. Never been an issue.
Don't do a 'Scottish' accent. No matter how good you think it is, trust me it's terrible.
Haha your right, got told when we went into a chippy lol.
Had fun on drive home though with storm freya.
I cant remember housing estates in other areas of scotland as i did not particularly payed attention. But in Ayr and surounding villages i notice there are alot of bungalows? Near me most bungalow owners wish to clean their own. Is this the case in scotland?
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My dad's a Yorkshireman. With a thick Yorkshire accent. Never been an issue.
Don't do a 'Scottish' accent. No matter how good you think it is, trust me it's terrible.
Only the deluded Braveheart sheep that swallow the SNP propaganda might have a problem with it. Mind, most of them are just facebook keyboard warriors!!
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‘ Near me most bungalow owners wish to clean their own. Is this the case in scotland?’ What a stupid question ???
Sometimes I really worry about you Nathan ;D
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I’ve often thought of working in Scotland but my hose isn’t long enough.
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They wouldn’t let you in Dave ;D
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A few "och aye, the noos" and you'll be settled in no time.
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My dad's a Yorkshireman. With a thick Yorkshire accent. Never been an issue.
Don't do a 'Scottish' accent. No matter how good you think it is, trust me it's terrible.
Haha your right, got told when we went into a chippy lol.
Had fun on drive home though with storm freya.
I cant remember housing estates in other areas of scotland as i did not particularly payed attention. But in Ayr and surounding villages i notice there are alot of bungalows? Near me most bungalow owners wish to clean their own. Is this the case in scotland?
Did you w**k all the way home?
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The British Bulldog
The English Lion
The Scottish Unicorn?? whats that all about
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The British Bulldog
The English Lion
The Scottish Unicorn?? whats that all about
That's the SNP promoting/encouraging LGBT and the likes as if it's some kind of fashion or trend! ::)roll
They now have "pride" days in schools- IMO totally inappropriate for children as young as Eleven, let them be kids before ramming sexual devience into their innocent and immature minds!
On the radio last week, a youth LBGT group complaining that they feel unrepresented on public transport- what do they want, their own labeled seats? ::)roll the world is going mad!
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The British Bulldog
The English Lion
The Scottish Unicorn?? whats that all about
That's the SNP promoting/encouraging LGBT and the likes as if it's some kind of fashion or trend! ::)roll
They now have "pride" days in schools- IMO totally inappropriate for children as young as Eleven, let them be kids before ramming sexual devience into their innocent and immature minds!
On the radio last week, a youth LBGT group complaining that they feel unrepresented on public transport- what do they want, their own labeled seats? ::)roll the world is going mad!
Did they have LGBT rights in the 1300s which is when the unicorn dates back to a quick Google tells me.
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The British Bulldog
The English Lion
The Scottish Unicorn?? whats that all about
That's the SNP promoting/encouraging LGBT and the likes as if it's some kind of fashion or trend! ::)roll
They now have "pride" days in schools- IMO totally inappropriate for children as young as Eleven, let them be kids before ramming sexual devience into their innocent and immature minds!
On the radio last week, a youth LBGT group complaining that they feel unrepresented on public transport- what do they want, their own labeled seats? ::)roll the world is going mad!
Well said, and the less I say about this lgbt stuff the better, I’ll be banned if i speak (or write) my mind on that stuff. The things kids are now being taught because of a minority is shocking.
Anyway, back to Scotland.
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The British Bulldog
The English Lion
The Scottish Unicorn?? whats that all about
That's the SNP promoting/encouraging LGBT and the likes as if it's some kind of fashion or trend! ::)roll
They now have "pride" days in schools- IMO totally inappropriate for children as young as Eleven, let them be kids before ramming sexual devience into their innocent and immature minds!
On the radio last week, a youth LBGT group complaining that they feel unrepresented on public transport- what do they want, their own labeled seats? ::)roll the world is going mad!
Well said, and the less I say about this lgbt stuff the better, I’ll be banned if i speak (or write) my mind on that stuff. The things kids are now being taught because of a minority is shocking.
Anyway, back to Scotland.
Ditto, it's the most polite way I could put it, makes my blood boil!! :(
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I saw and reposted this on my own facebook page. Kinda sums it all up, how crazy the world has became
(http://www.cleanitup.co.uk/smf/1551737765_Screenshot_20190304-221507.png)
(http://www.cleanitup.co.uk/smf/1551737776_Screenshot_20190304-221527.png)
(http://www.cleanitup.co.uk/smf/1551737789_Screenshot_20190304-221535.png)
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‘ Near me most bungalow owners wish to clean their own. Is this the case in scotland?’ What a stupid question ???
Sometimes I really worry about you Nathan ;D
Not that stupid a question.
Look at the population of Scotland and their height.
Nicola Sturgeon, Janette Krankie, Jocky Wilson, Archie Gemmill, Gordon Strachan and Burney out of Rab C Nesbitt; they're all wee.
So even if they live in bungalows they still might not be able to reach their own windows.
You could be onto something, Nathan. I think the only thing holding you back is if you start doing your Russ Abbot "see you, Jimmy" impression to sound like them.
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I dont particularly want to work in the cities within scotland. The reason for the bungalow question is that a number of villages i travelled through seem to have more bungalows and masionettes than houses. So the ratio isnt great in them villages, leaving less windows to be cleaned and they are already divided between ones who dont want a window cleaner and the many window cleaners already in those areas. So that particular area may be a no go for me to settle upon.
South ayrshire
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Hmmm, having done your research, it might not be a good move.
Why not just do as someone suggested, get yourself a static and go for weekends and short breaks?
It doesn't even have to be as far as Scotland.
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I dont particularly want to work in the cities within scotland. The reason for the bungalow question is that a number of villages i travelled through seem to have more bungalows and masionettes than houses. So the ratio isnt great in them villages, leaving less windows to be cleaned and they are already divided between ones who dont want a window cleaner and the many window cleaners already in those areas. So that particular area may be a no go for me to settle upon.
South ayrshire
Nathan, why not consider the next County down, Dumfries & Galloway.
I lived and cleaned windows in this County for 12 years, great potential in this area.
Plus it's on the Scotland / England border so you wouldn't need to fake a "see u Jimmy accent" as the area is full of English folks.
Happy to discuss the pros n cons of this area with you.
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I dont particularly want to work in the cities within scotland. The reason for the bungalow question is that a number of villages i travelled through seem to have more bungalows and masionettes than houses. So the ratio isnt great in them villages, leaving less windows to be cleaned and they are already divided between ones who dont want a window cleaner and the many window cleaners already in those areas. So that particular area may be a no go for me to settle upon.
South ayrshire
Nathan, why not consider the next County down, Dumfries & Galloway.
I lived and cleaned windows in this County for 12 years, great potential in this area.
Plus it's on the Scotland / England border so you wouldn't need to fake a "see u Jimmy accent" as the area is full of English folks.
Happy to discuss the pros n cons of this area with you.
Do you know them all? ;D
And I thought County Down was in Ireland ???.
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Easy to spot, they hang out at night on street corners smoking a fAg and showing a leg. Most of the cons start a window cleaning round.
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As nice as Scotland is why would you go live somewhere with generally speaking colder wetter weather and lower prices
Theres plenty of beautiful countryside down south, ok housing might be higher but if I was moving to start a window cleaning round and looking for a better life I wouldn't go further north, it's grim enough in yorkshire.
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Or better still go further down that south and move to France.
Beautiful countryside and cheaper houses. I don't know what the prices are like but I bet they don't clean their own windows; too busy sat outside of restaurants drinking coffee, smoking and being arty in their sunglasses.
I can imagine Nathan doing the accent like the policeman off 'Allo 'Allo.
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Or better still go further down that south and move to France.
Beautiful countryside and cheaper houses. I don't know what the prices are like but I bet they don't clean their own windows; too busy sat outside of restaurants drinking coffee, smoking and being arty in their sunglasses.
I can imagine Nathan doing the accent like the policeman off 'Allo 'Allo.
Nah, more like pink panther's french cop
😂😂
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So im getting some head way in further interest in making this happen.
So if i can ask if any on here work or know of the south lanarkshire parts of scotland.
Just generally what the areas are like, see if it matches what im reading.
Cheers again for any advice or cautions etc
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Or better still go further down that south and move to France.
Beautiful countryside and cheaper houses. I don't know what the prices are like but I bet they don't clean their own windows; too busy sat outside of restaurants drinking coffee, smoking and being arty in their sunglasses.
I can imagine Nathan doing the accent like the policeman off 'Allo 'Allo.
My wife's French. They mostly have shutters so the windows don't really get dirty in bad weather PLUS French windows usually fold inwards so they can be cleaned from inside!
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Or better still go further down that south and move to France.
Beautiful countryside and cheaper houses. I don't know what the prices are like but I bet they don't clean their own windows; too busy sat outside of restaurants drinking coffee, smoking and being arty in their sunglasses.
I can imagine Nathan doing the accent like the policeman off 'Allo 'Allo.
My wife's French. They mostly have shutters so the windows don't really get dirty in bad weather PLUS French windows usually fold inwards so they can be cleaned from inside!
Same in germany isnt it? I have a couple of german friends who live over here and they mentioned their windows can open inwards. But we rely on people being lazy and cant be bothered to clean their own windows.
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So ive an opportunity of a house in rigside in Lanark. It sounds out in the sticks and looking at wikipedia (i know i know! Lol) sounds like the vast majority commute to glasgow or edinburgh.
Also the housing is heated by ASHP, just wondered if anybody works round these areas and advice on what its like? To live n work wise? Also if anybody else uses ASHP and what its like?
Really really appreciate any advice on this
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Is it a council house?
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Is it a council house?
It is and looking on google maps its not great but wondered if its a stepping stone
Looking on google it seems alot of x mining areas and all but run down areas which doesnt bold well for building work up in the areas. But the reality may be different to what im reading and just wondered if this is the case
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Is it a council house?
It is and looking on google maps its not great but wondered if its a stepping stone
No, I understand that. I just wondered how it happened so quickly and it'd be better than buying if things didn't work out.
I think you're rushing into it all.
I'd look at a static/holiday home first before upping sticks.
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Yep, we just had a phone call this morning with an offer that we certainly wasnt expecting and its on a house which is being renovated and wont be ready until several months anyway which would give some time to organise things and hopefully mean that there shouldnt be any problems with the house.
However the local villages all seem to be run down x mining vilages and would rely on working more city work and outskirts. Which means a good commute but if the work is their then thats a good start. Initially i can still condense my work here more so and bunk with family and also build up initial work in scotland and put feelers out for people to see if anyone is renting work out or need any employers until ive built a self sustaining round. Then once some stepping stones are done i can sell my work here which will give some breathing space whilst building more up in scotland.
Yet i also agree its fast moving as we was thinking about within a yr doing all of this.
(If anybody is reading this thread but do not wish to respond (as often many do not wish to post for several reasons), thennyou can contact me directly via my email
1nks.services@gmail.com
Cheers guys
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I've done what you want to do Nathan- my honest opinion is that trying to live in Scotland and work in Donny is a none starter. You would be best to plan this move about a year ahead. Do more research into where about in Scotland would suit all your needs best. Houses up here aren't a problem so don't be rushed, you can rent lovely, rural cottages very reasonably almost anywhere. You would be best to have some money behind you to give yourself breathing space, sell your current work and either try to buy a round or look for a job while you build your own.
I did this before I had any kids, you are doing it with multiple dependents so you need to think and plan seriously within a reasonable timeframe.
All that said, get it right and the lifestyle is awsome!!😁👍
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I've done what you want to do Nathan- my honest opinion is that trying to live in Scotland and work in Donny is a none starter. You would be best to plan this move about a year ahead. Do more research into where about in Scotland would suit all your needs best. Houses up here aren't a problem so don't be rushed, you can rent lovely, rural cottages very reasonably almost anywhere. You would be best to have some money behind you to give yourself breathing space, sell your current work and either try to buy a round or look for a job while you build your own.
I did this before I had any kids, you are doing it with multiple dependents so you need to think and plan seriously within a reasonable timeframe.
All that said, get it right and the lifestyle is awsome!!😁👍
Wise words.
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I've done what you want to do Nathan- my honest opinion is that trying to live in Scotland and work in Donny is a none starter. You would be best to plan this move about a year ahead. Do more research into where about in Scotland would suit all your needs best. Houses up here aren't a problem so don't be rushed, you can rent lovely, rural cottages very reasonably almost anywhere. You would be best to have some money behind you to give yourself breathing space, sell your current work and either try to buy a round or look for a job while you build your own.
I did this before I had any kids, you are doing it with multiple dependents so you need to think and plan seriously within a reasonable timeframe.
All that said, get it right and the lifestyle is awsome!!😁👍
Wise words.
Wise words and very similar to my orig plans. Thank you Peavey. Also thank you G as well 👍
This opportunity has come much sooner and has prompted some thinking of being spontaneous but also considering all aspects.
Im in contact with someone in paisley putting feelings out with his fellow cleaners to see if anybody is renting or taking on an employee. Whilst also hitting groups on facebook enquiring of the same.
Employment wise, that wont happen until im there so that has to wait but is also an option, haha i half hoped lee was based in scotland as his employees earnt a nice little wage and had stress free business side of things 😉
Just considering all aspects before i go forward or knock this current idea on the head and stick to the orig ideal for now
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I've done what you want to do Nathan- my honest opinion is that trying to live in Scotland and work in Donny is a none starter. You would be best to plan this move about a year ahead. Do more research into where about in Scotland would suit all your needs best. Houses up here aren't a problem so don't be rushed, you can rent lovely, rural cottages very reasonably almost anywhere. You would be best to have some money behind you to give yourself breathing space, sell your current work and either try to buy a round or look for a job while you build your own.
I did this before I had any kids, you are doing it with multiple dependents so you need to think and plan seriously within a reasonable timeframe.
All that said, get it right and the lifestyle is awsome!!😁👍
Wise words.
Wise words and very similar to my orig plans. Thank you Peavey. Also thank you G as well 👍
This opportunity has come much sooner and has prompted some thinking of being spontaneous but also considering all aspects.
Im in contact with someone in paisley putting feelings out with his fellow cleaners to see if anybody is renting or taking on an employee. Whilst also hitting groups on facebook enquiring of the same.
Employment wise, that wont happen until im there so that has to wait but is also an option, haha i half hoped lee was based in scotland as his employees earnt a nice little wage and had stress free business side of things 😉
Just considering all aspects before i go forward or knock this current idea on the head and stick to the orig ideal for now
Nathan.......... paisley wouldn’t be my first choice to either work or live. It’s a concrete jungle and work there is quite cut throat. Lower prices are more prevelant. It’s not an accurate representation of Scotland.
I’m only saying that in case you feel put off by the area.
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So ive an opportunity of a house in rigside in Lanark. It sounds out in the sticks and looking at wikipedia (i know i know! Lol) sounds like the vast majority commute to glasgow or edinburgh.
Also the housing is heated by ASHP, just wondered if anybody works round these areas and advice on what its like? To live n work wise? Also if anybody else uses ASHP and what its like?
Really really appreciate any advice on this
Sorry Nathan I just saw this post!
I’m sat having my lunch in Lanark right now. Most my work is Lanark, carluke, and biggar.
If I could choose one place to NOT live in my area it would be ringside. My advice would be to keep on searching.
Lanark is great, carluke is where I live and is also fine. (Not as posh as Lanark).
Biggar and surrounding areas would be perfect for you, but property and rentals are a bit more pricey.
If I was you, I’d avoid ringside, Forth, and certain parts of an area called Douglas. They are the “rougher” areas, although like anywhere else there is a few nice parts.
There is more work than I can handle in this area and prices I’d say are fine.
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So ive an opportunity of a house in rigside in Lanark. It sounds out in the sticks and looking at wikipedia (i know i know! Lol) sounds like the vast majority commute to glasgow or edinburgh.
Also the housing is heated by ASHP, just wondered if anybody works round these areas and advice on what its like? To live n work wise? Also if anybody else uses ASHP and what its like?
Really really appreciate any advice on this
Sorry Nathan I just saw this post!
I’m sat having my lunch in Lanark right now. Most my work is Lanark, carluke, and biggar.
If I could choose one place to NOT live in my area it would be ringside. My advice would be to keep on searching.
Lanark is great, carluke is where I live and is also fine. (Not as posh as Lanark).
Biggar and surrounding areas would be perfect for you, but property and rentals are a bit more pricey.
If I was you, I’d avoid ringside, Forth, and certain parts of an area called Douglas. They are the “rougher” areas, although like anywhere else there is a few nice parts.
There is more work than I can handle in this area and prices I’d say are fine.
Cheers Jonny.
Weve now come to that conclusion having a better look on google maps, rigside doesnt look a nice area and supposedly the other villages close by are somewhat ran down. Initially i thought with it being a new renovated house it would be ok to get started until we knew the area better and then take it from there.
Lanark itself looks good n busy. Can i ask, do you travel to glasgow or edinburgh for work as well and therefore use 2 liscenses? As this is what im thinking I may have to do inorder to either work withbdifferent ones until ive built a round or infact to actually build a round,
Totally understand if u dont want to answer that one.
Ive made a friend in paisley and my mrs keeps wanting me to ask him about where he works and if theres plentybof work to be had. Now i dont mind asking general questions but i told her its like someone asking me if they can come and potentially take my customers away from me inorder for them to set up 😂😂 so not keen on questions like that. But generally speaking would 2 licenses be suitable or the norm or is it literally depending the size of the catchment area?
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I must have missed all the gos!, NGK whatever happened to the push for 80k? is it dead in the water?
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So ive an opportunity of a house in rigside in Lanark. It sounds out in the sticks and looking at wikipedia (i know i know! Lol) sounds like the vast majority commute to glasgow or edinburgh.
Also the housing is heated by ASHP, just wondered if anybody works round these areas and advice on what its like? To live n work wise? Also if anybody else uses ASHP and what its like?
Really really appreciate any advice on this
Sorry Nathan I just saw this post!
I’m sat having my lunch in Lanark right now. Most my work is Lanark, carluke, and biggar.
If I could choose one place to NOT live in my area it would be ringside. My advice would be to keep on searching.
Lanark is great, carluke is where I live and is also fine. (Not as posh as Lanark).
Biggar and surrounding areas would be perfect for you, but property and rentals are a bit more pricey.
If I was you, I’d avoid ringside, Forth, and certain parts of an area called Douglas. They are the “rougher” areas, although like anywhere else there is a few nice parts.
There is more work than I can handle in this area and prices I’d say are fine.
Cheers Jonny.
Weve now come to that conclusion having a better look on google maps, rigside doesnt look a nice area and supposedly the other villages close by are somewhat ran down. Initially i thought with it being a new renovated house it would be ok to get started until we knew the area better and then take it from there.
Lanark itself looks good n busy. Can i ask, do you travel to glasgow or edinburgh for work as well and therefore use 2 liscenses? As this is what im thinking I may have to do inorder to either work withbdifferent ones until ive built a round or infact to actually build a round,
Totally understand if u dont want to answer that one.
Ive made a friend in paisley and my mrs keeps wanting me to ask him about where he works and if theres plentybof work to be had. Now i dont mind asking general questions but i told her its like someone asking me if they can come and potentially take my customers away from me inorder for them to set up 😂😂 so not keen on questions like that. But generally speaking would 2 licenses be suitable or the norm or is it literally depending the size of the catchment area?
Happy to help mate.
Here in Lanark it’s about 45 minutes (on a good day) to get into Glasgow, and about 1 hour 15 mins to Edinburgh.
I really don’t think you’d have to go that far though. In this area, I reckon 6 months of a hard push, and you could get a few grand a months work.
It’s hard to say for definite though as I’ve just gradually built my round here since 2010.
I only have the south Lanarkshire license, but having a few licenses isn’t a game changer. £50 a year or so for another license depending on the area.
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Do they have Toby Carverys in Scotland?
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Do they have Toby Carverys in Scotland?
;D
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Do they have Toby Carverys in Scotland?
Aye but the drink drive limit is lower here, he wouldn’t be able to drink on the job😂
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Aye zero tollerance.
I hate visiting scotland and being the designated driver all the time
😂😂
But the breakie soumd better with the square sausage and a slice of haggis
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Do they have Toby Carverys in Scotland?
They do!
Haggis is particularly nice in the carverys up here.
Just depends on the season though. Haggis hunting season doesn’t start till April. :'(
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I have mate called Stan . Lives in a small town off the A3.0 . Callled Kazakh. Loves Scotland says its a right laugh .
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I have mate called Stan . Lives in a small town off the A3.0 . Callled Kazakh. Loves Scotland says its a right laugh .
;D
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I have mate called Stan . Lives in a small town off the A3.0 . Callled Kazakh. Loves Scotland says its a right laugh .
😢😢😢😢😢😢