Donnette it took me a very long time to settle in Australia. My plan was always to return home after two years, but within that time I met my husband, also a Scot, and so I stayed.

Of course this was made better by my parents migrating as well as some of my family.

Scottish winters are very, very trying, so whilst I often think about my homeland, I know I do better in a kinder climate.

I thought of you recently when a tradesman came to do some work. It was a cold day. He had two young lads with him, one clearly Jamaican. It turned out he'd come here to finish his study.He was the nephew of the tradie.

"Oh you poor darling, " I said, looking at him, shivering.

They all laughed. Mind you, some good winter clothes would have helped.

Despite the years I have lived here, I still think about home and my culture.