Why Scottish family who moved to Australia to start a new life are going home

The Scottish family have discovered the hard way that the grass isn't always greener.

Kimberley Lucas is going home. Kimberley Lucas Instagram

A family who moved from Scotland to Sydney to start a new life in Australia have revealed they are moving home citing tough living conditions.

Kimberley Lucas has been honest about the challenges her family have faced since moving to Australia early last year.

In recent social media videos, the mother-of-two explained why Australia “didn’t work” for them.

A major reason was the shock expectation of “insane” working hours.

Kimberley Lucas and her partner. Picture: Kimberley Lucas Instagram

“My husband works crazy hours here compared to the UK,’ Ms Lucas said on TikTok.

“He’s in construction and works a minimum of 50 hours per week, sometimes 60 plus hours.

“He’s away before we wake up and usually just makes it home for the kids’ bedtime.

“His contract hours are 39 but everyone works longer with no overtime, which is just insane.”

Ms Lucas said the family struggled with high costs faced by non-permanent residents.

“Childcare is so expensive. We are not on a permanent resident visa so get no help with costs,” she said.

“Public school is $7,000 per year for us and daycare is $23,700 per year for three days (a week).

“In Scotland, education is free, and we get 30 hours each week towards nursery fees.

“Permanent residency takes eight to 10 months after applying which means we would be $31,000 just for childcare next year.”

Ms Lucas said she also missed family.

The family are moving back to Scotland. Kimberley Lucas TikTok

“It seems like an obvious one, but I miss family so much,” she said.

“Just popping in for a coffee while the kids get spoiled at their grandparent’s house or a sleepover at their aunties.

“Some of my best childhood memories were with my grandparents, and I hate that my kids can’t get to experience that.”

As a young mum, Ms Lucas said it was hard making new friends.

“People are happy to talk to you, but it doesn’t seem to go any further,” she said.

“A lot of mums seem to be a little older which means I don’t have a lot in common … I may be a mum, but I love to go out once in a while and let my hair down.”

Many social media users agreed that the “grass isn’t always greener”.

“We are also returning to the UK after few yrs living in Oz & one of us is Australian. Miss the history, live music, light summer eves, the culture, British sense of humour, laughing and friendship,” one person wrote.

“I’m so sorry you had this experience. It’s tough for us Aussies, so I can’t imagine what it would be like being here as an expat,” said another.