Highlands superfan from Washington DC 'sells' Inverness as paradise destination
A writer from Washington DC wants everyone to know that Scotland – and Inverness in particular – is the place to be.
Ian Houston (57) from Washington DC regularly extols the virtues of the Highlands and Islands in columns, in poetry and whenever he gets the chance simply speaking to people.
While he grew up in the United States, he was heavily influenced from a young age by his Glaswegian parents and instantly felt at home when he set foot in Scotland for the first time himself.
After spending many years writing about the "fairy tale streets" and hill top views surrounding Inverness, he now passionately "sells" the city as the destination of a life time whenever he can.
When Ian first visited Inverness, he said, he felt "invigorated" waking up to the sound of ringing church bells.
He said: "It's a place of natural beauty, but once I was able to dig deep into the soil I encountered people that will be friends for the rest of my life.
"I felt so inspired by the experience that I only wanted to go back time and time again, so now whenever I close my eyes I can revisit that that feeling of being there."
He continued: "Whilst it may sound clichéd, I would say that the Highlands changed my life as I felt enhanced by the knowledge of my roots that is in Scotland."
The Scot at heart admires many businesses in and around Inverness, with the Prickly Thistle and Leakey's bookshop topping his list.
Ian described his first encounter into Leakey's bookshop as an "inspiration, dripping with character".
While many native Invernessians might identify completely with Ian's love of Leakey's another of his passions – the city's bridges, which pedestrians can actually cross – might be harder to fathom.
He says, however, that as "walkable bridges" – like the Ness Bridge– are a relative rarity in the US, for his fellow Americans they are likely to be something of a cultural highlight.
Another key aspect Ian "sells" to potential tourists is the kindness and sense of community he finds inherent among Scottish people.
He said: "I admire that the Scots value community, their energy and their progressive mindset. Scotland is a multicultural society that thrives on supporting local businesses; it's admirable."
Ian plans to revisit Inverness soon.
