The Bothy Network Donate

A place of refuge for Scottish immigrants in America.

The Bothy Network provides free, culturally informed telehealth counseling, transition coaching, and peer support — because a shared language doesn't prevent isolation.

Donate now Read our story
The Bothy Network logo: a stone cottage in the Scottish hills

What is a bothy?

A bothy is a simple, free mountain shelter found across the Scottish Highlands — unlocked, unstaffed, and open to any traveler who needs a place to rest. No one is turned away.

We took the name because that's exactly what we want to be: a refuge, freely offered, for anyone far from home.

"That's why I created the Bothy Network — to offer the support, refuge, and help that no one in our community should have to go without."

The need is real, and it's measurable

8.4M

Americans identify as Scottish, alone or in combination — a diaspora large enough to need its own dedicated support. Source: U.S. Census, 2020

1 in 4

People in Scotland face a mental health problem in any given year. That need doesn't disappear when someone relocates — if anything, migration adds to it. Source: Scottish Health Survey

62 studies

A U.S. systematic review found immigrants face migration-specific stress that can trigger or worsen anxiety and depression, yet access mental health care at rates far below the general population. Source: Systematic Review, Psychiatric Services (PMC)

How we help

Telehealth counseling

Free, short-to-medium-term therapy with licensed U.S. mental health professionals, delivered over a secure video platform.

Transition coaching

One-on-one guidance through the emotional phases of relocation — rebuilding identity, managing homesickness, and "dual-home" guilt.

Peer support groups

Moderated digital circles where Scottish immigrants connect, share experience, and build genuine community.

The Bothy Network logo

How this came to be

I'm originally from Ayrshire, Scotland, and moved to the U.S. in 2019. Even with a strong support network, there were still moments I longed for someone who truly understood the experience of being far from home.

"Grieving my mother thousands of miles away revealed the unique challenges Scots face abroad when navigating hardship. The Bothy Network was created to stand alongside our community—providing practical mental health navigation and care when it matters most."

Jamie McGeechan — Founder, The Bothy Network