A Scots-born dad was left over the moon after finally being able to take his autistic American son on a long-awaited trip to his hometown of Glasgow.
Derek Steen, 47, grew up in Govan district before moving across the pond in 1989 when he was 13. His son Alex Steen, 17, from New Jersey, struggled to leave his home due to his disabilities, including ADHD, autism and OCD but grew up listening to his dad's vivid stories of his childhood in Glasgow.
Derek has been desperate for Alex to discover his roots and the youngster has now declared Govan his "second home" after finally being able to travel to Glasgow this month. Alex fell in love with the city, the people - and the cuisine.
Speaking to the Record, Derek said: "Honestly, his favourite part was Greggs. I had a suitcase full of Steak Bakes coming home with me.
"But he also loved the pub atmosphere and the fact everyone was so friendly. Alex is shy but everyone interacted with him and was really friendly to him.
"Due to his medical issues he's been unable to do things that most normal kids would be able to do, so I wanted to make this trip special for him.
"I am just over the moon. I wanted to make it really special for him and he absolutely loved it.
"It was an amazing feeling to finally get him across and show him where I’m from. He says Glasgow is his second home now and he wants to come back at Christmas time."
As a youngster Alex suffered from extreme ADHD, meaning there was no way the family would be able to take him on a plane. He then developed more medical issues with his hips and his bones which again put their travel plans on hold.
But as Alex reached his late teens he has become much better at dealing with his disabilities - and the pair finally travelled across to Scotland for a two and a half week holiday on June 6. During the trip Alex met various family members for the first time and was able to finally take the long overdue trip down his father's memory lane.
Derek added: "He has always said to me he wants to know where I grew up, in Govan. I still have cousins dotted about all over Glasgow so he wanted to learn about his family history.
"We went to visit my old close, my old school Greenfield Primary, Elder Park. Of course he also wanted to see Ibrox Stadium and where his grandparents grew up across the road.
"The basis of the trip was to meet some of his family and see some of the struggles we had growing up."
Logistical Coordinator Derek, who regularly travels back to Glasgow to see family and watch his beloved Rangers, now plans to bring Alex back across at the end of the year.
His grandparent's ashes are scattered at Ibrox Stadium, and Derek hopes the pair can visit the ground for a tour when they next return.
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