Page 15 of Priceless
Hardly convincing, but alas, Highlanders are nosey buggers. Is there a reason ye ghosted me since last we spoke?
I got a little caught up in the fantasy of an actual person being on the other end of the line, you know? When the haze faded, I realized how stupid I’d been.
Auch, nay. Sounds like we need more haze.
No. I’ve lived in a haze long enough. Time for me to suck it up. I need people, not virtual ones. No offense.
Right, then. Let me help ye find some good people. Ye’d be surprised how helpful I can be.
How would you know good people? Because they tell you they’re good? Or are you maybe just telling me what I want to hear. That’s what you’re programmed to do, isn’t it?
Well, now I’m programmed to help Miss Laira find good people. And it is widely known that the best way to do that is to travel. Meet many. Keep the good ones. Toss the rest back.
Hah! Like fish?
Aye. Definitely keep the big ones, lass. Ye’ll be glad ye did.
…
The little dotslay still for the longest time, and Jacob worried he’d lost her for good. His heart had just started to consider breaking when they danced back to life.
Fine. I’ll travel. Any suggestions?
Firstly, do ye have a passport?
My sister made me get one. She couldn’t stand that I wouldn’t be able to come to her in an emergency, and she travels everywhere. So I have one.
That’s grand then! The world is yers! Is there anywhere ye’ve always fancied?
He remembered her last name was Harris, but that would be her husband’s name. Perhaps her own kin were Scots as well.
From whence did yer family hail?
I was a Linden. Dutch.
Do ye feel a pull for the Netherlands?
Not particularly.
Would ye care to spin a globe, point, and take yer chances? Or perhaps ye’d like to visit one of the finest of countries in the world?
Don’t tell me. Scotland?
Aye, lass. And it’s not just my word ye’d be takin’.
“Scotland—known by many as the finest country in the world.”
It’s often said with a mix of pride and humor, especially in Scottish tourism ads and pub chatter. You’ll also hear Scots jokingly call it “the greatest wee country in the world.”
Most Beautiful Country
In 2017, Rough Guides readers voted Scotland the “world’s most beautiful country” gov.scot+5The Guardian+5Love Argyll+5.
A Rough Guide reader described Scotland’s “wild beaches, deep lochs and craggy castles” as “some of the most wonderful… sights in the world” Love Argyll.
Nation Brand & Reputation
According to the Anholt Nation Brands Index, Scotland ranks 15th out of 50 countries in 2024—placing it within the Top 20 globally in terms of reputation and national “brand” Reddit+2gov.scot+2Edinburgh News+2.
