From Scotland to Sweden: A Journey Toward Family and Home
For some, life is a journey full of unexpected turns, where a temporary visit can turn into a lifelong love story. For this man, who came to Sweden for what was supposed to be a two-week stay, the country in the north became his home — and the place where he found both love and a growing family.
“The most important thing in life for me is family, making sure they’re doing well,” he says. “I have two daughters, and I want them to be happy in life. I hope they can learn from my mistakes so they don’t have to make the same ones — maybe by listening to their old dad,” he adds with a laugh.
For him, family is more than just immediate relatives — it’s the people you choose to surround yourself with and the bonds you nurture over time.
“I got married later in life and already had two children. My wife also had kids, and her family is quite large. Since I don’t have much close family in Sweden, apart from my daughters, her side of the family became mine, too. At the same time, I’ve kept in touch with my relatives back in Scotland, so in a way, I have family in both places.”
His connection to Sweden runs just as deep as his love for family. What started as a short visit turned into a new chapter that’s lasted over four decades.
“Sweden means so much to me. I originally came for two weeks, but I’ve been here for 40 years. Those two weeks just kept growing,” he says with a smile.
And while Scotland will always be a part of him, there’s no doubt where he feels most at home.
“Sweden is my home. When I visit Scotland, I find myself longing to come back.”
His story is a reminder that home isn’t always where you were born — sometimes, it’s where you build a life filled with love, connection, and people who make you feel like you truly belong.