Over the last few weeks, I’ve been learning the Billy Connolly song, I Wish I Was In Glasgow, a thought that crosses my mind often. Despite growing up in the serene hills of Perthshire, it was in Glasgow, where I was born, that I truly found a sense of belonging and warmth unlike any other. So, when the time came to bid farewell to the UK and embark on new adventures, I couldn’t help but wonder if I’d ever find that same sense of home again.

London and Sydney were magnificent in their own right, but something was missing – that indescribable feeling of being wrapped in a Glasgow hug, of feeling like you’re part of something bigger than yourself. Little did I know, Tasmania – where locals are affectionately known as Taswegians – would be the unexpected remedy for my homesick heart.

For any expat longing for a taste of home, Tasmania should be your next port of call. Not only is it a bit easier on the wallet than a flight to Glasgow (trust me, I’ve checked), but it’s also a haven for foodies and whisky aficionados alike. Driving through Tas’s countryside feels like a journey through the lush landscapes of Perthshire, albeit with a touch less rain and a few extra degrees of warmth.

But it’s the people of Tasmania who truly steal the show. Warm and welcoming, they embody the spirit of community that I thought I’d left behind in Glasgow. Pull up a stool at one of the local pubs – real pubs, mind you, with crackling open fires and not a pokie machine in sight – and you’re bound to strike up a conversation with a friendly local. Whether they’re sharing local secrets, spinning a yarn wilder than a Tassie devil chase, or simply greeting you with a warm smile and a hearty “G’day”…

In Tasmania, it’s less about the Celtic connection (though you’ll find that in abundance) and more about the restoration of faith in humanity. With each visit, I feel a weight lift from my shoulders, the stresses of daily life melting away as I immerse myself in the warmth and hospitality of the Tasmanian people.

So, to my fellow expats yearning for a taste of home, I say this: pack your bags and head to Tassie. You’ll find more than just stunning landscapes and delicious whisky – you’ll find a community that welcomes you with open arms and, who knows, you might just find a little piece of home nestled amidst the Tasmanian wilderness.

The Scotsman
Graeme McColgan

0476 565 062 

www.thescotsmanmusic.com @thescotsmanmusic

Pictures: Tasmania’s lush landscapes. Credit: The Scotsman/Supplied