A Scot's Boston: Iona MacGowan on identity, emigration and the city she now calls home

WHEN Iona MacGowan left Scotland for Boston six years ago, she thought she was simply starting a new chapter with her husband.

Instead, the move transformed her career and gave her a new perspective on her Scottish identity.

Today, the Blairgowrie-born content creator has built an audience of almost 180,000 followers across social media, sharing videos about Scotland and her life in the United States.

“My career was in newspapers and marketing,” Iona explains. “After university I went to work at DC Thomson for the Press & Journal in Aberdeen, and that’s where I met my husband, who is also Scottish. He was working in the oil industry there.

“We had a nice wee life in Aberdeen,” she continues. “Then he decided to do an MBA, and that's how we ended up coming to America."

While continuing to work in marketing for start-ups, Iona began posting videos on TikTok documenting her new life across the Atlantic.

“I started making wee videos online about my life in America,” she recalls. “I had no followers – just two of my good friends – so they were more like letters to home and were super honest. I kind of forgot about them.

“They ended up going viral and getting picked up by BuzzFeed and Yahoo and stuff. I thought this could maybe be my new outlet.”

Building something new

Since then, Iona has worked with organisations including the Scottish Government and National Trust for Scotland, hosted events such as the New Hampshire Highland Games and New York Tartan Day Parade, and been named Emerging New England Scot of the Year.

“I want to connect people who have Scottish culture and those that love it,” she says. “The culture, the landscape and the people – I love championing that.”

The work also changed how she viewed Scotland and its global diaspora.

“I learned how big the Scottish community was here, especially on the east coast in Boston,” she says.

Scottish identity abroad

Still, building a public profile around her Scottish identity has not always been straightforward.

“I’ve gone through a journey with it,” she says. “There is always a mixed reception.

“Some people want me to be in a kilt, talking like I am from Glasgow. I grew up in Perth and it’s a neutral accent.

“To some people that can be disappointing. They have a set image and when it doesn’t meet that expectation, it’s upsetting because it’s not as romantic as they might think.

“For a while I thought: ‘Am I not Scottish enough to be doing this? Should I stop making these?’”

Now, however, she sees things differently.

“I think it’s the most Scottish thing I could have done, moving to the USA, as generations of Scots and families did before me,” she says.

“I was proud of being Scottish, but it wasn’t till I left that I could see it through other people’s eyes – how lucky we were, what a rich culture we have and how many people want to celebrate it.

“I am the product of a modern Scotland. And I’m doing my bit to showcase that.”

A Scot's Guide to Boston

Having lived in the city for six years, Iona is excited to welcome more Scottish people to the city this month. Below, she shares her top picks on events, Scottish heritage to explore, best places to eat, and day trips to consider.

World Cup Events

The FIFA Fan Festival™, Boston 1 City Hall Square

If you want the full Boston World Cup experience, this should be your first stop. Enjoy live match broadcasts, interactive games and activities, along with a food and beverage programme that truly reflects Boston. Details will be released at fifa.com

Big Cup @ The Haven, The Haven, June 12-14

The Haven is Boston’s only Scottish pub, where I’ve spent many an afternoon watching the rugby and having a pint of Tennent’s with other Scots. They have announced themselves as the unofficial Tartan Army HQ and have comedy, whisky tastings, live music and food trucks scheduled throughout the games.

Red Sox Scottish Celebration, Fenway Park, June 14

If you’re coming to Boston you have to go to Fenway, Boston’s beloved baseball stadium and area. Treat yourself to the ultimate experience and get a Fenway hot dog, try line dancing at Loretta’s Last Call and pick up some merch. I am so excited they are doing a Scottish celebration, as it is the best of my two worlds and the two sports colliding!

Explore Scottish Links

Celebrating Heritage

Boston and the wider region are full of organisations celebrating Scottish culture and that host regular events. There’s the National Trust for Scotland Foundation USA, Scots in New England and The New Hampshire Highland Games, for example.

Buzz About Burns

Boston has a statue to commemorate Scotland’s famous poet Robert Burns with its own interesting back story. After being erected in 1920, it was moved without consultation in 1975. In 2019, campaigners – including National Trust for Scotland Foundation USA – managed to have it returned to its original location, Back Bay Fens, where it stands today.

Where It Began

Around two hours from Boston, in Provincetown, stands the Pilgrim Monument, a 252-foot tower commemorating the 1620 landing of the Mayflower, which created the first permanent European settlement in New England. It includes one stone donated by the Scots’ Charitable Society, the oldest charitable organisation in the western hemisphere.

Boston's Best Eats

Life Alive

My favourite Boston café is Life Alive. I take all my pals who come to visit. It’s mainly vegetarian, serving tasty and healthy food. My favourites are the Buddha Bowl, Elvis Smoothie and the spicy green tonic... all at once!

Saltie Girl

For something a bit fancier and a true taste of the east coast, treat yourself to – in my opinion – the best lobster roll and Bloody Mary in Boston. You can get your lobster roll cold or hot, the latter served with melted butter on a toasted bun, which is my absolute favourite. Go all out with the Bloody Mary, too – get the oyster on there!

Boston Public Market

At Boston Public Market there are loads of vendors selling local produce and food options, alongside local craft sellers if you need a gift for back home. I always order from Mo’Rockin Fusion and get the lamb – it’s so delicious. For a sweet treat, go to Union Square Donuts a few stalls down.

Day Trips Outside Boston

Newport, Rhode Island

Just under two hours by bus from Boston, Newport is a city set on Aquidneck Island, known for its yacht-filled harbour and Gilded Age mansions lining Bellevue Avenue, some of which are now museums. Don’t miss out on the great views you get doing the iconic Newport Cliff Walk, a 5.5km (3.5 miles) free public trail combining views of the mansions with incredible ocean views. 

Salem, Massachusetts

Salem is famous for its 1692 witch trials, during which several locals were executed for allegedly practising witchcraft. Landmarks from this episode include the Witch House, the former home of a trial judge. Make sure to check out the Salem Heritage Trail. Other perfect pitstops include A&J King Artisan Bakers for a sweet treat and Flying Saucer Pizza Company for a pizza pie. It takes around 39 minutes via MBTA train or 60 minutes using the City Cruise ferry.

Portland, Maine

Portland, around two hours by bus from Boston, is a foodie haven and popular for combining a charming, historic, working waterfront with a top-tier culinary scene. Walk the cobblestoned streets of the Old Port, enjoy a drink at one of the many breweries or take in scenic Casco Bay and the iconic Portland Head Light.

Follow Iona for more content on her life in Scotland and Scottish culture on Instagram, YouTube, and TikTok.

📸 Maggie Barger, Kylie Corwin, Mike Cotrone, Shutterstock, STOCK.ADOBE.COM