I am an American wanting to move to Scotland what is the best way to go about this?

Ok this is the first time trying this, I originally was supposed to be with someone out in Scotland but it would seem that right now our relationship is faced with a new dilemma that of 'You get here on your own and we will see how it goes from there. Meaning that now it's a indefinite situation and I am faced with having to prove myself which I'm ok with but as you can see that this makes it rather hard. I do know that through all the red tape there are easier ways to go about doing this I just don't really know where to start except at work Visa or at least that's what all the web sites say. I just want to prove that I do have what it takes to be a good provider,husband and father I just don't want to lose more time than I really have too and already have.