Hugh Allison
Hugh was born and brought up in the western Highlands, in the shadow of Ben Nevis, Scotland’s highest mountain.
His mother was a Gaelic speaker, with a broad expertise in Scottish history and Highland culture. She knew all of the tales and stories of the north, and the locations where these events unfolded.
Hugh’s spare time was spent hill-walking on the tracks, byways and drove roads. He learned about the flora and fauna of the area from his father. In this way he built up knowledge of the prettiest glens, the best views, the most inspiring waterfalls, and the ruined castles and towers with the blackest of legends.
The degree Hugh studied for, at the historic Glasgow University, included Geography, Geology and Scottish History. He has worked for different Scottish Tourist Boards and later worked for the Highland Council. The role always involved developing and promoting heritage and tourism, and as a by-product gaining a string of prestigious awards. He also wrote several publications on car-tours, geology and the myths and legends of the Highlands.
At the turn of the millennium he took employment with “The National Trust for Scotland”. This came with responsibility for managing both Brodie Castle and Culloden Battlefield. It was during this period that he realised the long-held dream of becoming a fully-fledged author. He has now written four acclaimed books.
The first book, “Roots of Stone” is an easy-to-read journey through the last 2,000 years of Scottish history. The next work, “Rivers Running Far“ looks at the emigration of the Scots to America and Australia. His third book “Culloden Tales” outlines the role that each of the clans played at that tragic battle and also tells the other tales and stories relating to the Inverness area.
The fourth book “No Lying Quiet” is a modern-day thriller with revenge and retribution storylines colliding across the histories of Scotland and Nova Scotia.
In the last few years Hugh has delighted in showing visitors around his beloved Highlands. These tours show the best of the magnificent scenery and tales of the people who came before. He joined the Highlands of Scotland Tour Guide Association (HOSTGA) to concentrate on guiding full-time. On 13th May 2013 he took over Inverness Tours on Tony Harmsworth’s retirement.
He finds that another fun aspect of touring can be sharing book and film locations, like the Harry Potter movies. He also enjoys undertaking author-endorsed tours tailored to the Outlander books by Diana Gabaldon and Winter Solstice by Rosamunde Pilcher. Hugh has enjoyed guiding Diana personally.
His authentic Jacobite gear and weapons presentations bring any historical journey to life. Hugh’s background in history and landscape combines perfectly with his lively sense of humour, skill as a storyteller and his knowledge of the area. A true Highlander, he is waiting to share his culture with you.
Hugh’s Ford Tourneo Custom easily accommodates up to seven passengers (see image left), in it’s roomy and air-conditioned interior. The reclining seats and tinted windows ensures touring in comfort and style.
