We a re a gro u p o f E S OL
le a r ne r s who h ave p u t
toge the r a gui d e to h e l p yo u
le a rn a bout t h e a rea th at w e
live in . We hope o u r b o o k l e t
he lp s yo u to se t t l e i n an d
ma ke ne w f r i en d s .
2
C ontents
page
4
6
Facts about Scotland
and East Renfrewshire
Our stories
10
Finance
8
11
13
Education
Working,
volunteering and
learning in Scotland
Housing
16
Health
19
Transport
25
Entertainment
22
Sports and leisure
26
Useful numbers
3
Fac ts abo ut Sco t l a nd
The officials
languages are:
The population of
Scotland is around
English,
Scots and
Gaelic.
5.2 million.
Bagpipes
are the traditional
Scottish instrument.
the
Saltire.
The Scottish
symbol is the
The capital city is
Edinburgh and
the largest city in
Scotland is
Glasgow.
thistle.
Common expressions
Haggis, neeps
(turnips) and
tatties (potatoes)
is a traditional Scottish dish.
There is a vegetarian option too!
Scottish words and
phrases you might hear
Blether: a chat
Aye: yes
Wee: small
Nae bother: no problem
Brae: hill
Loch: lake
Hen: woman
Crabbit: grumpy
Cannae: cannot
Slainte: cheers (as a drinking toast)
Messages: your grocery shopping
4
The Scottish
flag is called
“It’s a dreich day today”
means
“It’s a horrible day today”
“I am going to the pictures”
means
“I am going to the cinema”
“He will be chuffed”
means
“He will be very happy”
“See you after!”
means
“Goodbye!”
“That’s me!”
means
“I’ve finished”
“It’s your shot”
means
“It’s your turn/go”
“Where do you stay?”
means
“Where do you live?”
About Ea st R e nf re wsh i re
The main towns in East Renfrewshire are Barrhead,
Giffnock, Newton Mearns, Thornliebank, Neilston,
Uplawmoor, Busby, Waterfoot, Eaglesham and Clarkston.
Barrhead
Neilston
Uplawmoor
Thornliebank
Inverness
Aberdeen
Netherlee
Giffnock
Williamwood Stamperland
Clarkston
Newton
Busby
Mearns
Waterfoot
Scotland
Dundee
Glasgow
Stirling
Edinburgh
East Renfrewshire
Eaglesham
Go to the East Renfrewshire Council website to find useful information, including health care,
education, leisure activities and facts about East Renfrewshire:
http://www.eastrenfrewshire.gov.uk
We hope this guide helps you to feel at home here!
5
O ur s torie s
Sunju, from South Korea
Hello!!
I felt heavy with worries when I first arrived in Scotland. It was not easy for
me to adapt myself to a new life here. We had a lot of problems finding a
house to rent and getting all the documentation together such as opening a
bank account. In my country the steps to renting a house are very quick but
here it is a very slow process. Fortunately, we finally found a good house in
an awesome area. So, no worries. I am in no doubt that fruitful information
in this booklet will help those coming here. All you need is to read this
booklet carefully. Good luck to everyone!!
Izumi, from Japan
The first thing I did after settling into my house was visit my local library.
My older child borrowed books and the younger one and I found the ‘Book
Bug session’ which made us become regular visitors. I also found ESOL
and toddler group contacts on the message board which were very useful.
Also a lot of local classes and clubs are held in church halls. Even if you are
not religious, it is worth visiting your nearest one and taking a look at the
message board for local ‘What’s On?’ My daughters go to dance classes,
Rainbows and Brownies and I go to yoga class in our local church.
Htoo, Htoo, from Myanmar
We found East Renfrewshire which is a better place for schools for our
kids. And it’s also a safe neighbourhood. I feel secured for the kids to go out
playing and cycling. The bilingual teacher from our kids’ school introduced
me to the ESOL classes. I also have a great opportunity to improve my
English. I have enormous support from my ESOL at work teacher to prepare
for the ESOL B1 exam for the visa.
6
Maryam, from Pakistan
In Nov 2013 when I came to Glasgow I felt very alone . But then with the
encouragement of my family I found out about the ESOL classes from the
council. It was very helpful for me to meet new people and practise my
English language skills. ESOL classes are a good way to meet people and
learn at the same time. I strongly advise all the new people in town to join
these classes.
Karine, from France
I am French and I have been living in Glasgow for one and a half
years. In France we had family and friends around us; so we could
meet each other at any time but when we arrived here we knew
nobody.
When we arrived in Scotland, I was really worried about my
children’s integration in their new environment. They were 8 ½ and
4 ½, and didn’t know a word in English, they didn’t want to leave
their family, their friends, their home, their country…
But there are people who helped us a lot. You can talk to the
people in the education department of East Renfrewshire Council.
They will help you register your children in school. You must go
and introduce yourself to the head teacher of your new school.
Here again you will find the support you need. And you will see,
after 6 months your children will speak and understand this new
language. After one year, they will be really fluent and able to write
and read. Of course you have to support them every day, and if
you struggle yourself then try Adult Learning (your local library can
give you all the information you need) for ESOL classes where you
can improve your own English and meet new people who are in
the same situation as you.
7
H ous ing
To rent a house:
1 Three important points in letting:
A.Location
B. Type of house
C. School location (see the Education section on page 13)
2 Type of house
A Flats/apartment
B Terraced house
C Semi-detached
house
D Detached house
3 You can search for houses on many websites, such as:
www.zoopla.co.uk www.rightmove.co.uk
www.gumtree.co.uk
4. To rent, you must make an appointment to view the house
You will need to provide a reference
a. employee = proof of your income (payslips)
b. student = prepayment rent required (normally for 6 months or 1 year)
5 Council Tax
Council tax pays for services such as rubbish
collection, the police and libraries. Register
with your local council and you will be sent a
bill every March. Go to the Council Offices:
211 Main Street, Barrhead or
East Renfrewshire Council Headquarters,
Eastwood Park, Giffnock.
There are 8 Tax Bands (A – H) Your council
tax cost depends on the value of your house.
8
Good to know!
• If you need something for your new house and you don’t want to spend too much
money, go to www.gumtree.co.uk You can find different devices, brand new or often
second hand at low prices. You can also sell your own goods. You can also find cars,
houses, jobs etc. on Gumtree.
• If you are going to rent a house, it is a good idea to check your landlord is registered.
Go to www.landlordregistrationscotland.gov.uk
• International students are generally entitled to Council Tax exemption. If you have any
questions or problems in terms of your council tax, please refer to the website:
http://www.eastrenfrewshire.gov.uk/counciltax
• R
ubbish is collected from your house. You will have a wheelie bin for general waste,
a white bag for paper, a green bag for plastics and a blue box for cans and bottles.
You can recycle food waste and garden waste in the brown wheelie bin.
Citizens Advice Bureau
CAB can help you with housing, debt, money problems, benefit
applications and can support you to get online. They also offer
general advice about your rights when living in Scotland.
The website for Citizens Advice Bureau is as follows:
http://www.cas.org.uk/bureaux/east-renfrewshire-citizens-advice-bureau
Citizens Advice Bureau, 216 Main Street, Barrhead G78 1SN
Telephone Number: 0141 881 2032
Good to know!
• You can meet someone from CAB in your local library too.
9
Fina nc e
Opening a bank account can be
a big deal! So keep calm and read
our top tips!
First choose your bank, ask for an
appointment, and check which documents
you need to bring. These must be original
documents, dated within the last 3 or
4 months.
The bank needs the following to prove your
identity and address. Choose 2 different
documents from the list below:
Proof of ID
• National identity card
Good to know!
• Y
our bank could ask you for more
documents, so be aware of this.
• S
tudents have to provide a letter from
the university, showing your full name
and address, type and duration of
your studies.
• W
hen you register with different
companies such as phone, gas
and electricity, ask them to put the
accounts in the names of all adults
living with you, so you can use those
documents for proof of address.
• Current signed passport with visa
• C
urrent UK or overseas photo driving
licence.
• B
enefits or pensions notification letter
confirming the right to benefit.
• UK blue disabled driver’s pass.
Proof of Address
• B
ank and Credit Card or building society
statement (they do not always accept
statements printed from the internet).
• C
urrent UK driving licence (only if it is not
being used as your proof of identification).
• Utility bill (gas, electricity…)
• Local authority council tax bill for
current year.
• B
enefits or pensions notification letter
confirming the right to benefit (only if it has
not been used for proof of identification).
Benefits
If you are not working or not earning very
much money, you might be able to receive
some help from the government. These are
called benefits.
Go to www.direct.gov.uk then click on
Benefits.
10
East Renfrewshire welfare rights and
money advice staff can offer free,
confidential, impartial and independent
welfare rights and debt advice.
Call 0141 577 8609.
Wo rking, vol u n t e e r i ng an d l e arn i n g
in Sc otla n d
Check that you are allowed to work in the UK or if you need a work permit by going to:
www.ukba.homeoffice.gov.uk/workingintheuk
Adult Learning Would you like to:
•improve your IT skills? Improve your
personal skills? Numeracy skills?
• improve your reading and writing skills?
• learn English as a second language?
• learn Gaelic? (Scottish language)
•learn skills that will help you when
applying for work?
• get family support?
East Renfrewshire has an Adult Learning
Team who can offer support and help with
literacies, personal development, numeracy,
computing skills, Gaelic (Scottish language)
and employability skills. If you are looking
for work and would like to learn how to
write your CV, covering letters and prepare
for interviews, Adult Learning can offer you
employability support.
Learning in East Renfrewshire
East Renfrewshire does not have a
college but the closest colleges are:
Clyde College: Cardonald Campus
– 690 Mosspark Drive, Glasgow G52 3A
Langside Campus – 50 Prospecthill Road,
Glasgow G42 9LB Tel: 0141 272 9000
West College Scotland: Paisley Campus Renfrew Road, Paisley PA3 4DR
Tel: 0800 052 7343
ESOL Classes (English for Speakers
of Other Languages)
There are ESOL classes throughout
East Renfrewshire including:
•ESOL classes from beginners through to
intermediate levels
•ESOL for Work courses which help you
with the English skills needed to apply
for work
• ESOL SQA classes
•Family ESOL to help you support your
children through education
If you would like to improve your English
and meet new people, please contact:
0800 0520239 adult.learning@
eastrenfrewshire.gov.uk or
www.eastrenfrewshire.gov.uk/
adultlearning
11
Volunteering
If you have free time, feel a bit isolated from
the community or want to learn practical
English, why not volunteer? Schools always
need parent helpers and there are lots of
charity shops looking for people to help out
too. This is a great way to meet new people
and improve your English language skills.
Also Voluntary Action in Barrhead will help
you find voluntary opportunities relevant to
your interests.
Voluntary Action: http://www.va-er.org.uk/
Good to know!
If you want to work with children or
vulnerable adults you will need to get a
PVG which is a police check. Sometimes
charities and schools will organise this
for you.
Preparing for work
• Skills Development Scotland
Based at The Foundry, Barrhead SDS
offers careers advice, support and help
with gaining skills to find work.
For more information and help, go to:
www.myworldofwork.co.uk
• WorkER (Work East Renfrewshire)
Based at The Barrhead Foundry, WorkER
can help with your CV and help you
search for employment or training.
Contact WorkER 0141 577 8438.
Good to know!
Before starting a job you should register
with Jobcentre Plus to get your NI
Number (National Insurance Number).
12
Other support
Religious Organisations
Scotland is a country where everyone has the
freedom to practise their religion and go to
their place of worship. Some of the common
religions are Christianity, Judaism, Islam,
Hinduism, Sikhism, Buddhism etc.
There are also organisations which
offer support to different sectors of the
community such as Woodfarm Education
Centre which supports Muslims. There are
lots of churches that support people living in
the community too. Look up your local place
of worship and then visit for a chat.
Educ ation
The Scottish Education System
The Scottish system is different from the rest
of the UK and organised as follows:
Nursery: from 3 up to 4/5 years old.
Primary School (P1 to P7): from 4/5 up to
11-12 years old.
Secondary School / High School (S1 to S6 ): from 11-12 up to 17-18 years old.
University: from 17/18 years onwards
Good to know!
• It is compulsory (by law) for your children
to attend school until the age of 16.
• R
egister your child for nursery when they
turn 2 years old. Go to the council offices
to get the form.
Pre-school (0–4 / 5 year olds)
Toddler Groups and Playgroups
Childminders
An organised group, for parents or carers
to attend with their children, from birth
to 3 years old. They usually meet once a
week mostly in church halls where plenty
of space is available for children to play in.
There are lots of toys, arts and crafts and
snack time to keep children occupied. As
parents and carers have to stay with their
children all through the session, it is a great
place to make new friends for both adults
and children.
A qualified person who is paid to look
after children in their home. If you need
a childminder, check who is registered
before you decide who will look after your
children. Go to www.childminding.org
Sometimes, there are play leaders who take
care of children. This allows children to
get used to the environment without their
parents, before entering into formal nursery
education. Some playgroups are funded
by council and children can continue to go
there as their free nursery education.
Child Protection
Nurseries
There are private, voluntary and council
nurseries. Your child can get a free place
in a council nursery between 3-5 years old.
Go to www.scottishchildcare.gov.uk
In this country, child protection is valued
and it is very important to know the age
guideline regarding leaving children at
home alone or what age they can go out
by themselves, as it might be different
from your countries’.
13
Good to know!
The following are guidelines for parents:
• children under 12 are rarely mature enough to be left alone
for a long period of time
• children under 16 shouldn’t be left alone overnight
• babies, toddlers and very young children should never be
left alone
https://www.gov.uk/law-on-leaving-your-child-home-alone
School (4/5+ year olds)
East Renfrewshire has:
• 7 secondary schools
•22 primary schools, which have 10 nursery classes
• 2 family centres 0-2 years
• 7 family centres
•Isobel Mair School (A special school for children with additional support needs)
Different types of school
The majority of schools today
are inter-denominational
schools.
Non-denominational schools =
not restricted to any particular
or specific religion.
Denominational schools
such as:
Catholic schools
Scottish Episcopal schools
14
Registering your child at school
Good to know!
The school in which your child starts P1 determines
his or her secondary school.
Go to: www.eastrenfrewshire.gov.uk/learning
Then go to: Sending your child to primary school
To register your child at school, contact
East Renfrewshire Council
Go to: free meals and clothing grants
You can get support for going to school, such as
free school meals, money towards clothing etc.
What is a placing request?
You can make a placing request if you
want your child to be educated in a
primary school other than your local
catchment school.
Your placing request is valid until the
end of primary 7.
You must make a further placing
request in year one of secondary
school if you wish your child to attend
a secondary school other than your
associated secondary school or move
from a non-denominational to a
denominational school (or vice versa).
Fill in an application form and send it to
the education department.
http://www.eastrenfrewshire.gov.uk/
placingrequest
What is a catchment area?
A school catchment area is the
geographic area from which children
are eligible to attend a local school.
Placing Requests:
Education Department, East Renfrewshire
Council Offices, 211 Main Street,
Barrhead, East Renfrewshire.
For more information about schools,
please call Tel: 0141 577 3578 or
0141 577 3246
Every home is allocated to:
a primary school + an associated
secondary school
Contact East Renfrewshire Council
Education Department to find
out which school is within your
catchment area.
It may not be the nearest school to
your house so check first!
For more information about schools, please call:
0141 577 3578 or 0141 577 3246
15
H e a lth
Healthcare in Scotland is mainly provided by
NHS Scotland (National Health Service) to all
permanent residents in Scotland and is separate
from the private health sector in the UK.
Register with a General Practitioner (GP)
When you arrive you need to register with
your local GP (General Practitioner) Surgery.
You can find your nearest GP online:
http://www.nhs.uk/Service-Search
• Choose a surgery close to where you live.
• Y
ou will need to show proof of identity and
fill in a form.
• M
ake a First Registration Appointment,
with a nurse or a doctor.
Good to know!
• Every woman aged 25-60 years old is invited for a cervical screening every 3 years.
• Woman aged 50-70 years old are invited for breast screening every 3 years
• In Scotland men and women aged between 50 and 74 are routinely invited to take part
in bowel screening every two years.
• Your children are offered Immunisation Programme.
www.immunisationscotland.org.uk/when-to-immunise/index.aspx
• Y
ou can see any GP within the surgery, but be aware that you may wait longer for an
appointment. If it is urgent you can see whichever doctor is available.
• As soon as you register with NHS, all your appointments and prescriptions are free.
• Your doctor will refer you to a specialist if necessary.
• If you have got a chronic disease, then you are invited for regular check-ups and
medical tests.
• If it is urgent, phone your health centre at 8.30 in the morning and ask to see any doctor. Hopefully, you will get an appointment for the same day but not always.
Useful phrases
“Hello. I am new to the area. Can I register with a doctor please?”
“Hello. Can I make an appointment please?”
16
Pharmacies
Your local pharmacy can give you advice for minor symptoms
if you do not want to make an appointment with your GP.
NHS Minor Ailments Service is a service for children under 16,
over 60s and people in certain circumstances. Register with your
local pharmacy to get medicine for minor problems free
of charge.
http://www.scotland.gov.uk/Resource/Doc/362554/0122689.pdf
Your local pharmacy can treat some minor problems such
as allergies and colds and can also provide emergency
contraception and some health tests. Ask to speak to the
pharmacist. Pharmacists can help you decide whether you need
to see a doctor. Many have small rooms for privacy and you can
talk in confidence without making an appointment.
Dentists
You should register with a dentist and have 6-monthly
check-ups. Not all dentists take new NHS patients. Children get
NHS treatment free of charge and should start visiting when
their first milk teeth appear. NHS Scotland runs “Childsmile”
which promote children’s oral health in association with health
visitors, nurseries, schools and dentists. Children get free
toothbrushes and toothpaste and daily tooth brushing at some
nurseries and schools.
http://www.child-smile.org.uk/parents-and-carers/index.aspx
To register with your local dentist, you will be asked some
questions, you must fill in a form, and will be given an
appointment for a dental check up.
Good to know:
• Your dentist can also provide private dental care.
• A
sk about the cost of your treatment before you start.
Usually adults over 18 have to pay for treatment, but there
can be exceptions (if you are pregnant, if you get certain
benefits,…) ask your dentist.
Need an emergency appointment?
http://www.nhs24.com/findlocal/emergency-dental-care/
17
Opticians
If you are over 16 and under 59, you can get a free NHS eye
examination every 2 years. Children under 16, over 60s and people
with certain medical conditions can get it done every year. Just ask
an optician for a free NHS eye examination. After the examination,
if you need spectacles or lenses, you have to pay for them.
http://www.gov.scot/Publications/2010/08/18091434/1
Health Visitors
Health Visitors are specially trained nurses who visit you at home
each time you have a baby, to discuss feeding, weight gain and
development.
They usually run drop in clinics where you can get your baby
weighed and discuss concerns.
Your health visitor works with your GP, and you can contact her
if you have concerns about your young children. They are mainly
involved with pre-school children.
NHS Helpline
www.nhs24.com
The NHS 24 website offers information and advice on most
health issues. Information is available in other languages on
the website.
In an Emergency call 999 for Fire, Ambulance and Police.
Tell the operator your name, location and situation.
They will send an ambulance if needed.
Out of Hours Clinic
When your GP is closed, and you’re too ill to wait, you should
contact the:
GP Out-of-Hours Service, by calling: 111
You will be put through to a health professional who will ask
you about your symptoms and arrange for you to see a GP if
necessary. The out-of-hours GP may either come to your house
or you may be asked to attend the primary care emergency centre
where the out-of-hours GPs service is based. You should not
attend an primary care emergency centre without calling
NHS 24 first.
18
Tra ns por t
Buses
There are a number of private bus companies providing
services such as First Bus, Arriva, McGills and many
others. Bus timetables can be found on the internet,
at the bus stops and in your local libraries.
Usually First Bus serves Glasgow.
http://www.firstgroup.com/ukbus/glasgow/
In some areas, there are other companies available.
McGill’s (Barrhead)
http://www.mcgillsbuses.co.uk/
SPT (between Clarkston and Silverburn shopping centre)
http://www.spt.co.uk/wmslib/Bus/374.pdf
Good to know!
Don’t forget to bring the exact money with you
as drivers do not carry change!
For public transport information, go to:
www.travelinescotland.com
Trains
Scotrail serves the route into Glasgow and also to many
places like Edinburgh. http://www.scotrail.co.uk
For train times and information, go to: www.trainline.com
East Renfrewshire is served by three railway lines and
nine stations:
• G
lasgow to East Kilbride line with stations at
Thornliebank, Giffnock, Clarkston and Busby
• G
lasgow to Neilston line with stations at Williamwood,
Whitecraigs, Patterton and Neilston
• G
lasgow and South Western line with a station at
Barrhead
If you want to travel outside Glasgow, go to Glasgow
Central Station or Glasgow Queen Street Station.
Useful phrases
Can I have a return to Glasgow please?
Can I have an all-day pass please?
Can I have a single to Glasgow please?
How much is a return to Glasgow, please?
Are you going to Glasgow?
Single = one way
Return = there and back
19
Types of tickets on the trains
There are attractive discount tickets like “off peak day return” or “kids go free”. However,
they can’t be used during peak hours, which is usually around the time we feel like going
home after a long day trip. You will be disappointed to find out that your ticket is not valid
and may have to wait a few hours to get on a train that your ticket is valid for or queue up
to upgrade, which is quite pricey (I did upgrade mine twice!). Check when you buy your
ticket, when you can use it!
The Underground
There is also an underground (Subway) in Glasgow. It is a circular route which takes you
round the city. Buchanan Street Station is the closest station to Glasgow Central. The
underground is known as ‘Clockwork Orange’ to locals.
Good to know!
• P
ARK and RIDE - Go to the Park and Ride where you can park your car outside the city
and take the train in to avoid lots of traffic.
• The National Entitlement Card If you are 60 and over, or have a disability you may be
entitled to free bus travel. Pick up an application form from your local post office.
• The Young Person’s National Entitlement Card is available for young people aged 11
to 26 and can be used for library membership, cashless catering, Young Scot PASS
(providing proof of age) and discounts including travel. Application forms for these
cards can be taken from post office or you can get one at school.
• Children can travel free between 5-15 years if they are travelling with an adult.
Also, if you are travelling as a group, ask about GROUP DISCOUNTS.
• When travelling by train children can sometimes get free entry into some attractions: https://www.scotrail.co.uk/offers/kids-go-free
20
Driving in Scotland
• You must be 17 to drive in Scotland.
• In the UK we drive on the left. • Everyone must wear a seatbelt. • It’s illegal to drive without having a
driving licence, car insurance and an
MOT.
• P
olice do speed checks so don’t speed
as you could lose your licence and will
definitely get a fine.
• T
he drink-drive alcohol limit has recently
been reduced so don’t drink and drive!
If you want to drink alcohol, use public
transport or get a taxi.
France is not that far from Scotland but
when my husband told me I would have
to drive a car here, I said, “ NO! I want
to live in town and take the bus! I can’t
drive a car, which has got the wheel in
front of the passenger seat, on the left
side of the road!”
“Yes, you can! I trust you!” he said.
He was right…you just have to give it a
go! But, when you come from another
country, it is important to check on the
DVLA website in which conditions you
can use your driving licence, before you
enjoy your trips! And remember: You can
do it!
Karine, from France
Check if you need a GB driving licence on:
https://www.gov.uk/driving-nongb-licence
You have to pay road tax every year; you can
pay it on line or through your post office.
You do not need to display your tax disc in
your car, in the UK: https://www.gov.uk/check-vehicle-tax
MOT
In the UK cars must pass a test every year
to say that they are safe to be on the road.
This is called an MOT.
Go to: https://www.gov.uk/search?q=mot
Good to know!
• Y
ou do not need to keep all your
driving documents in your car.
If you are asked for them, you can
take them to the police station
within 24 hours.
• U
K nationals do not normally have
identity cards but you can use
a modern photo driving licence
instead to prove your identity
(e.g. when opening a bank account)
or age (e.g. when buying alcohol,
fireworks etc.).
21
S p or ts a n d l e i su re
Libraries
There are ten libraries in East
Renfrewshire. Each with a wide range of
books in English and other languages as
well. You will find books for adults and
children at the library.
Sports and leisure centres
You can find fitness classes, sports
activities and clubs for children and adults
at all of the following places:
Barrhead Foundry 0141 580 1174
Eastwood High Sports Centre 0141 577 8697
Eastwood Park Leisure
0141 577 4956
Neilston Leisure Centre
0141 577 4811
Clarkston Hall 0141 638 4050
Albertslund Hall 0141 616 3363
For children
All sports centres in East Renfrewshire run
sports activities during term time and also
offer holiday activities and clubs.
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Libraries offer more than just books.
You can use library computers, access
the internet and use the WiFi for free.
You can also print and photocopy your
documents for a small charge. Libraries
have lots of activities for children.
You can sing songs and rhymes with
your baby or child up to 4 years old at
a Bookbug session or come along to
after-school stories and homework
support sessions with your older
children. You can also find out about
health and other council services at your
local library.
To join your local library, take proof of
your home address along to the library
with you and fill in a short application
form.
www.eastrenfrewshire.gov.uk/libraries
Learning in the libraries
Interested in improving your IT skills?
Libraries offer different IT courses to
help you get started with the internet,
emailing and becoming familiar with the
keyboard. Also they can help you with
the skills needed when looking for work
and applying for jobs online. Ask in your
local library about the courses.
Good to know!
Join the library and get an ALL ACCESS
card and ask for a PIN number. Then you
can use the computers in the library for
free. All our libraries have WiFi too.
All Access Card
With this card you will be able to access
all sports centres, use libraries and
purchase theatre tickets. You will get
money off too!
• Y
ou can join by filling in a form in any
library or online
http://www.eastrenfrewshire.gov.uk/allaccess
Other Organisations
There are also a variety of organisations that your children can join to learn new skills, make
new friends and play sport and games. Sometimes they go away overnight with these
organisations and the children usually love the experience!
The following is an outline of the organisations set up in East Renfrewshire
Organisation Girls Guiding
Rainbows
Brownies
Guides
Gender
Age
www.girlguiding.org.uk
Girls only5-7 Girls Only7-10
Girls Only10-14
Scoutswww.scouts.org.uk
Beavers
Boys/ Girls6-8
Cubs
Boys/Girls8-10
Scouts
Boys/Girls11-14
Explorer Scouts Boys/Girls14+
Boys Brigade
Anchor Boys
Junior Boys
Company
www.boys-brigade.org.uk
Boys5-8
Boys8-11
Boys11-15
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Out and about
So what do you do in East Renfrewshire
when you are new and don’t know anything?
Do you like outdoor activities? There are lots
of beautiful parks and gardens to enjoy (see
parks below).
Do you want to have a better view? The
mountains are not far, so you can walk with
family and enjoy the scenery! Head to Loch
Lomond by train to Balloch or by car.
Do you like the beach? Drive 30 minutes
south to Troon, Prestwick or Ayr and you
can enjoy the sand, the sea and fresh air.
You can also get the train and bus to these
beaches.
Are you curious? Then go to museums and
galleries. They are often free (see opposite)
Do you like history? Visit castles or
historical buildings (join the National Trust
to get access to the NT museums and
castles).
You are not done yet…go to highland games,
ceilidh, and pubs…and meet people.
Scottish people are friendly and this helps
a lot when you are a foreigner.
And now, the only thing that can happen
to you is falling in love with this country.
So grab your coat and your wellies and
enjoy Scotland!
Museums
There are so many museums that offer great
exhibitions and activities for children but
most of them are outside East Renfrewshire.
Most of the museums are free of charge.
A few of our favourites are listed below:
• National Museum of Rural Life - In
addition to the display inside, there is a
tractor ride to the working farm which
wee ones love. Their holiday arts and craft
programme is awesome. They also host
free Halloween evening events.
http://www.nms.ac.uk/national-museumof-rural-life/
• Kelvingrove Art Gallery and Museum
• The Riverside Museum and Tall ship
• The Science Museum
For more information, go to:
www.glasgowlife.org.uk/museums
Parks
There are many fantastic parks to visit in and around East
Renfrewshire. Our favourite parks that are nearby include:
• Rouken Glen Park which has a fantastic play area, a river,
waterfall, woods to explore and a great café by the pond
which is family friendly. The park comes alive in February
when a specially designed illuminated trail turns part of
the park into an ‘Electric Glen’ treating visitors to a dazzling
night time experience.
• Barshaw Park which has a small area with animals in it too!
• Pollok Country Park with the Burrell Collection, great café
and lots to do for all the family.
• Cowan Park in Barrhead has tennis courts for free use!
During summer holidays, they offer free drop in tennis
lessons.
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E n ter tainme nt
Theatre, cinema and music
There is a theatre in East Renfrewshire
called Eastwood Park Theatre. It’s next to
Eastwood Park Sports Centre. The closest
cinemas to East Renfrewshire are:
• C
ineworld, Silverburn Shopping Centre,
Pollok
• Odeon at the Quay, Glasgow
• Odeon at Braehead Soar
• Odeon, East Kilbride
There are also a lot of music venues, pubs
and restaurants in Glasgow. Some of our
favourites are: Barrowland, The ferry,
Oran Mor, SSE Hydro, The Tron Theatre.
Restaurants and pubs
East Renfrewshire has a lot of restaurants
offering a variety of international food.
There is also a huge choice of pubs and
restaurants in and around Glasgow.
For good deals go to: www.5pm.co.uk
Good to know!
• C
heck before you go, that you are
allowed to take your children with you
for dinner in a pub.
• T
he usual time for dinner is about 5:30,
and most restaurants will serve food
until 9:00pm.
• If your friends invite you “for tea”, be
aware that it could be for dinner!!!…
• If you don’t want to be disappointed
book your table before going.
Useful phrases
I’d like to book a table for four please.
Can I have a hamburger and chips please?
Can I have the bill please?
• In the UK, if we are happy with the
service, we usually leave a tip of up
to 10% of the bill but check on the bill
in case the restaurant has already
included a service charge.
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Shopping
Good to know!
• Y
ou should always have enough change
with you or your credit card, because
most of the shops will not accept
cheques.
• U
sually small shops and museums
close at 5pm.
• S
ome shops stay open 24 hours (e.g.
Tesco Silverburn).
• Y
ou can get loyalty cards from most
supermarkets and some cafés. They
are free and you earn points when you
shop. When you have enough points
you can use them to buy your shopping
or your coffee.
Useful phrases
Shop Assistant: ”Can I help you?”
Customer: “No thanks, I’m just looking”
Do you have this is in a larger/smaller size?
How much is this please?
Can I have a refund, please? It doesn’t fit me.
• Y
ou need a £1 coin for the shopping
trolley in most supermarkets.
• In Scotland you now have to pay for
plastic bags so take your own with you.
Refund = money back
U seful phone n u m b e r s
Ambulance, Fire brigade and Police:
999 NHS 24:111
Police non-emergency number
Hospitals
Queen Elizabeth University Hospital
Campus and The Royal Hospital
for Children
1345 Govan Road
Govan
G51 4TF
0141 201 1100
The New Victoria Infirmary
Corsebar Road,
Paisley PA2 9PN
0141 887 9111
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101
Victoria Infirmary
Langside Road
G42 9TY
0141 201 6000
Royal Alexander Hospital
Grange Road
Glasgow
0141 201 6000
Thank you!
We would like to
thank all those who helped us
to compile and design this booklet.
We really appreciate your time and know that
others will benefit from all the information you
helped us collate. Thanks also to the Scottish
Government and East Renfrewshire Council who funded
this project. Our booklet reflects our personal experiences
and is not the opinion of East Renfrewshire Council or
any other organisation mentioned. We hope the
information we have chosen to include is as
important to you as it is to us.
Compiled and written by the Giffnock ESOL Group: Htoo Htoo from Myanmar, Izumi from
Japan, Karine from France, Maryam from Pakistan, Sunju from South Korea with support
from the ESOL Tutor Cheryl Taylor and ESOL Volunteer Derek Morris.
Thanks also to Munirah and Samra for their contributions and Harold, Sabrina and Constance
for their participation in our video.
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