The 57 year old Scottish artist, whose list of international celebrity clients includes Madonna, Bill Gates and David Bowie, is aiming to walk the 300 miles from Aberdeen to Ayr to raise money and public awareness about autism, a condition which affects an estimated 1 in 100 people.

Mr Howson was accompanied by his 27 year old daughter Lucie, who also lives with the condition and Alan Somerville, CEO of the charity Scottish Autism, as he visited Mr Salmond at the Scottish Parliament.

Mr Howson began his walk in Aberdeen on World Autism Awareness Day on 2 April and has since trekked 153 miles putting him just over the half way mark of his journey. He has so far raised £65,439.20 in donations and pledges and is hoping to build on this total as the walk continues to the final destination of Ayr.  

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(L-R): Scotland's First Minister, Alex Salmond, Peter Howson and Alan Somerville, CEO of Scottish Autism

Peter Howson is a painter with an international reputation. He was Official British War artist during the 1993 Bosnian Civil War where his often graphic paintings highlighted the brutality of that conflict. Later, in 1999, he was the London Times War Artist in Kosovo. More recently he was commissioned to paint the official Christmas card for Scottish First Minister. His portrait of Artaban, the fourth wise man, is due to be auctioned off for charity later this year.

The artist has endured many years of illness and poor health, brought on by an excessive lifestyle and stress which was partly linked to his Asperger’s Syndrome. However, last year, with support from his partner and a new team of advisers, he began to adopt a healthy living regime and has been using exercise as a route to both physical and mental well-being.

Commenting on his meeting with Peter Howson, Scotland’s First Minister, the Rt Hon Alex Salmond MSP, said: First Minister Alex Salmond said:  “Peter is now half way through his 300 mile journey from Aberdeen to Ayr and as he travels across the country, he is making a fantastic contribution towards raising public awareness of autism and the impact it has on people’s lives. 

“Thousands of people throughout Scotland are affected by autism and the Scottish Government remains firmly committed, through the Scottish Strategy for Autism, to improving the lives of people with the condition, as well as their families and carers.  In just two years, the Strategy is already beginning to make a real difference and I am confident we will continue to make progress in the years to come.”

Mr Howson said: "While it's been physically tough, I have had so much public support and encouragement so far on my walk which has really helped carry me along.Getting the support of the First Minister today is another real boost for me and the team as well as an opportunity to raise the profile of autism for the thousands of people who are affected by the condition.

“I’m delighted with the initial financial support we’ve received but hoping to generate so much more over the next few weeks en route to Ayr. I’m also keen to continuing raising public awareness of autism and meeting many more people.”

Alan Somerville, CEO of Scottish Autism, said: “We’re delighted with this incredible commitment from Peter to raise awareness of autism and support our work as a charity. He is not only a high profile figure but also an inspiring one who has more understanding than most of what it is like to live with the condition.

“In taking on this significant challenge, Peter has shown just how determined he is to promote the important work that goes on to spread greater public awareness of autism and help organisations like ours provide the best possible support for families in Scotland.”