Guest post by John's brother

I am honoured to write a guest blog for John. It takes me back to trying to write the best man's speech for his and Liz's wedding, all those years ago. Not really knowing the audience, but knowing John.

John is my younger brother by three and a half years, my only sibling. We grew up together in Yorkshire, in a small hamlet of houses, where three neighbouring families had eight young boys, close in age. We played together, fell out together, made up together. I knew all his secrets. And he knew mine. Happy times. We even did the same course at the same university and then, now what seems a trivial 120 miles apart, we had largely separate lives.

Yet now John and Liz are in Scotland, he seems less far away. And in any case, who is far away from whom? Is it really him, or is it me?

I can pick up my phone and see on Google maps precisely where he is. I can open up street view and see some of the places he's loved, like his favourite Loch Ruel viewpoint near Tighnabruaich, where this photo with dad and me was taken in February this year.

I can see his house, albeit 3 years ago, with a very rusty snow-pole outside, knowing it's now been immaculately painted by John. I have his weather forecast set up on my phone, and it's rarely as bad as one might assume.

I've walked the Glen, and seen the places John and Liz cherish as landmarks of their home. But it's not just about what and where they are, but what they have done. Building a dream, with the values we share of ambition, determination and tenacity, a bit of Yorkshire  stubbornness and thrift thrown in. (Some say we Yorkshiremen are really Scotsmen but with our generosity removed). What they have achieved in the Glen in 2 years is amazing, and giving the girls roots, wings and a start in their own homes will last a long time, just like the snow-poles to guide and protect us on our way.

Richard