Many of his songs, on various subjects, are set among Glasgow people. One particular theme of Ian's is songs about peace, and he was one of the members of the Scottish CND Buskers. Since retiring as a teacher, he has been a volunteer song-writing tutor in Glasgow and Lanarkshire primary schools. Many of his songs have been performed and recorded by other singers, and in 2008 a whole evening of his songs was performed in concert by other singers in St Andrews In The Square, Glasgow. Ian's best known songs include 'Going Home To Glasgow' and 'Mandela Danced In The Square'.