It can go in a pot but the size pot is important, you'll need one that's at least 2 feet diameter aswell as high because these are very large shrubs.

The soil is equally important because it has to be an acid soil so if you don't have that type of soil where you are you'll need an acid compost and that is known as 'ericaeous' compost.
If you use a non acid soil/compost the foliage will turn from it's glossy dark green to a greeny-yellow colour.

It will be happier in the ground if at all possible. We kept our in a pot to start with and it only really got going once we planted it out. West Lothian, if my memory is correct, has slightly acidic soil which should be okay. Remember not to plant it where it will get the early morning sun, if there has been a frost and the sun gets to the flower buds they will die.

There are 2 types of Camellias. One x williamsii was recommended to me by Dougal Philip of the Hopetoun Garden Centre in West Lothian many years ago as being suitable for outdoor permanent planting. The other Camellia Japonica is less hardy. He recommended planting that in a pot and taking it in to a conservatory in winter. My Camellia x Donation has always been outside and flowers well. it is just starting to flower now. I also have a white ETR Carlyon x Williamsii which is slightly later and also flowers very well.

Many thanks for your advice