From Mumbai to Glasgow: My First Trip to Scotland and Life at Clarity

Visiting Scotland was a first for me in many ways. It was my first time travelling outside India, my first solo international trip, and my first chance to meet the Clarity team in person after working together remotely. I will admit I felt a little nervous boarding that flight from Mumbai, but the moment I arrived I felt completely at ease. Scotland was welcoming, and the warmth from Donald, Katie and the whole team made me feel at home straight away.

Highlights from my time in Scotland

I tried to soak up as much as possible in a short visit, and Scotland did not disappoint.

• Edinburgh The city’s layers of history, the architecture and the atmosphere were unforgettable. I loved wandering through the streets and taking in views that felt like a film set.

• The Royal Edinburgh Military Tattoo Experiencing the Tattoo was incredible. The music, the precision, and the atmosphere of the evening against the backdrop of the Castle was unlike anything I’ve ever seen. It was moving, exciting and unforgettable all at once.

• The Kelpies and the Falkirk Wheel These were unlike anything I had seen before. The scale and engineering made them both a brilliant day out and a great conversation starter about Scottish innovation.

• A hill walk up Conic Hill I am not usually a hill walker, but the view at the top made every step worth it. Standing there with that landscape in front of me was a real pinch-me moment.

• Food adventures I promised myself I would try local dishes, so yes, I tasted haggis. I was also pleasantly surprised by the number of excellent vegetarian options. Finding good Indian food in Scotland felt like a lovely touch of home.

• A visit to the Gurudwara Going to a Gurudwara with Donald was a special experience. Sharing a part of Sikh culture and discussing the traditions felt meaningful, and I was touched by the respect and curiosity shown.

• Everyday differences I noticed small but interesting cultural differences in daily life, from public transport to the way people make conversation. Those details helped me understand Scotland beyond the guidebooks.

Working for a Scottish company from India

I live in Mumbai, Maharashtra, and work remotely with Clarity. When I started, I wondered how time zones and different working styles might affect our rhythm. The reality is that with some planning, clear communication and a supportive team, everything flows smoothly.

A few reflections from the last year:

• Communication matters I have learned to be proactive and clear. Sending context, confirming actions and sharing progress early keeps projects moving even when we are not online at the same hours.

• Cultural awareness is a real skill Working across borders has made me more aware of tone, expectations and how different teams prefer to collaborate. That awareness has helped me grow beyond the technical side of accounting.

• Inclusion makes distance feel smaller Despite being thousands of miles away, I never feel isolated. The team involves me in discussions, celebrates milestones and keeps me in the loop. That sense of inclusion builds confidence and trust.

• Structure helps everyone Agreeing deadlines that work across time zones, keeping shared trackers up to date and using cloud tools means work continues seamlessly while one of us sleeps.

  
  

What I appreciate most about Clarity

Clarity’s culture is practical, people-first and open. I value the focus on speaking plainly, helping clients feel in control and supporting each other as a team. Meeting everyone in person confirmed what I had already felt on Teams calls. The firm cares about relationships, learning and doing good work without unnecessary fuss.

Final thoughts

My trip to Scotland gave me more than memories. It connected my daily work to the people and place behind the emails and Teams calls. I returned to Mumbai feeling proud, more confident and even more excited about being part of Clarity.

Thank you to everyone who made the visit special. If you are reading this as a client or a friend of the firm, I hope this gives you a small window into our world and how we work together across continents. And if you are planning your first solo trip, I can highly recommend Scotland. Just bring a good jacket and an open mind.