Riding high in the Highlands?

In northeast Scotland, a Wild West buff named Alistair Baranowski -- a.k.a. Johnny B -- wants to "re-create the days of Billy the Kid and Wild Bill Hickock" by building his very own frontier town called Tranquility.

"With his priorities clearly established, Johnny B built Tranquility's saloon first and now a sheriff's office (complete with cell) is almost complete. There is also a cemetery, a corral and a water well. The Wild West enthusiast has permission from Aberdeenshire Council for a further six buildings and he is looking for wannabe cowboys to help him with the construction."

Johnny B aims to build "a school, bank, undertaker's, general store and telegraph office in his field at Drumblair. The 54-year-old, who was a history and geography teacher for 22 years before running a post office, is a founder member of Open Range, a national association of Wild West enthusiasts. Tranquility also has its own gunfighters' group, the Northern Rough Riders.

"He added: 'We need to take time out to rehearse for the occasional Wild West show. The more people who help, the quicker the town will grow.'"