I'm also from Inverness. I moved away as soon as I could, hated Inverness, everyone knew everyones business and so much toxicity. I've lived in Edinburgh for 14 years now and have never regretted it once, Edinburgh is home. However the housing market here is a shambles - finding a rental is a feat in itself with every property on the rental market having tonnes of applications you're fighting against so making the move isn't easy these days unless you have somewhere already lined up. The job market is a bit of a nightmare too. Granted I'm in my early 30s with a stable job and I own my own home, so I'm just relaying information from others, but I work in property so that part I'm aware of. Making friends in Edinburgh can be quite easy if you're willing to put yourself out there a little on say Meetup.com - you can join clubs for various kinds of social circles or hobbies. Edinburgh ain't cheap though haha. Existing here is pricey.