Boyband Blue enjoyed a visit to Inverness yesterday as they performed at the glitzy official opening of a new hotel in the city.
But it was the area’s most famous tourist attraction which captured the imagination of group member Lee Ryan, who wanted directions to Loch Ness.
He said: “I am getting hold of a snorkel and going to try and catch a sight of the Loch Ness Monster, and I want to try some haggis as well.”
The foursome, which also includes Duncan James, Simon Webbe, and Antony Costa, were star guests at official opening of the first Scottish Pentahotel, in Academy Street.
It is owned by a German company, and managed by Alastair Thomann, who is returning to the area where he spent many happy childhood holidays.
Named after his Scottish mother and German father, he has been trying to locate a base in the Highlands for almost seven years.
He said: “I am so excited to find such a brilliant location, the people are fantastic and there is a great vibe in here, and brings back memories of me looking for Nessie every year since I was around six.”
As well as looking for the elusive monster themselves, Blue have all been in Inverness individually, but last night was their first performance in the city.
Taking a break from TV’s Strictly Come Dancing, Simon Webbe said: “As a group, we have always had a lot of respect for each other and when we got back together after six years it was like a family.
“It has felt as if we have never been away and our Inverness fans hopefully saw that.”