Bartosz Madejski

Name: Bartosz Madejski
Age: 29
Born: Poland
Lived in Scotland: Four years

Photographer Bartosz Madejski came to Glasgow because of Scotland's attitude to people from overseas. He says, "Scotland is open for people to come and work or study. There's no hassle. The country sounded interested, so I decided to come here."

Bartosz is from Wroclaw in south-west Poland and has been in Scotland for four years. One of his first impressions of Scotland was the people. "I noticed that the people were really friendly," he says. "There's a good nightlife here; so many events are happening all the time. This is very useful for my job as a photographer."

Bartosz developed his interested in photography in Scotland. Although he has had a photography business for the last two years, he has had no professional training. "I bought a camera and equipment and started practising. When I came to Scotland I didn't think about starting a business but I enjoyed photography so much. It's always easier to turn your hobby into a business, which is why I became a photographer. My main focus is on live music," he says.

Apart from working in his business, 'Bart Photography', he works part-time at a camera shop in Glasgow. Bartosz says, "I like working part-time at Jessops because it's closely related to my own business.

"I find the working conditions in Scotland are very good. I was very surprised how easy it was to set up a business here. It's very different from Poland. In Scotland, there are a lot of people from the government who will help you set up your business quickly. Business Gateway gave me great help and they also gave me a grant."

Living in Scotland has also helped Bartosz's language skills. "I feel my English has improved since moving to Scotland. It was pretty good when I moved here, but my accent has changed. People say I have a slight Scottish accent now," he says.

Bartosz misses Poland, but he enjoys being in Scotland. He says, "I miss Poland but I go back twice a year to see family and they have visited Scotland.

"I don’t know how long I'll stay here, but it'll be for a good few years. I love how relaxed the country is. Since Scotland is a small country you’re never far away from nature.

"For me the best thing about working in Scotland is meeting nice and friendly people all the time. They are a joy to work with everyday."

Information correct at January 2009.

Related Links

• www.bartphoto.co.uk
• Read about the Arts and Culture in Scotland
• What you need to know about doing business in Scotland
• Information about living in Scotland

Case studies about other people from Poland who have moved to Scotland:

• Albert Fret and Karol Chojnowski
• Ania Brudnowska
• Marzena and Tomek Woszczyna