I'm a Scot, a failed architect, and a clown (in many senses of the word) who makes theatre. I work a little all over, a lot in Norway, due to their generous arts funding, with my puppetry theatre company, a little in the UK, and in France. I love touring and visiting new countries with my work.

I lived in Glasgow for four years for my architecture studies, before refocusing on theatre and moving to Paris for 5 years. I've just left and am back in Scotland looking to plan my next steps.

I play the bagpipes and I love to travel with them playing in the towns that I come across.

Why I’m on Couchsurfing

I'm on couchsurfing as I love to meet people and learn about their cultures. I find that this can be amongst the best ways to visits new places. I have played a lot of music on the streets, and I find it an incredibly positive feeling to live off the kindness of strangers, to share an experience, an exchange, and pass on this kindness.

Interests

• arts
• street art
• sports
• olympics
• tennis
• snooker
• football
• theatre
• busking
• sculpture
• art museums
• bagpipes
• clowning
• celtic music
• physical theatre

Music, Movies, and Books

Films - I'm a huge fan of Charlie Chaplin. I love many of the films of this era, particularly the silent comics, I find there is an essential clarity of expression in the physical nature of their work. I also love the work of the French clown Jacques Tati, particularly Playtime.

Books - I love to read although find less time than I'd like. I tend to read a wide range of things, but do enjoy works which humorously remind us of man's fallibility. I'm a big fan of Dostoyevsky.

Music - I listen to anything, whatever happens to be around me.

One Amazing Thing I’ve Done

I played in the London 2012 Olympic Opening Ceremony.

Teach, Learn, Share

I'm new to couchsurfing so not sure exactly how this works, but I can speak with or even teach in English. Basic French as well, but not as a mother tongue.

I play the bagpipes, and would be willing to teach people about the pipes, and this sort of music. I'd be very keen to share my experience and knowledge of my instruments with other musicians and to hear how theirs compare.

I can share my knowledge of Paris, of what to do, where to go, what to see etc, and the same for Glasgow, Scotland in general and also London.

Equally I'd be keen to hear and to share experiences of other artists and performers.

What I Can Share with Hosts

Hmm... I think I might have answered this question above. I'm not a fantastic cook, but competent for simple recipes, and willing to try.

I'd love to share any of my music, theatrical or language knowledge/experiences.

Theatre - touring internationally, studying physical theatre (Ecole Jacques Lecoq), performing at festivals (Edinburgh fringe etc.)

Music - Bagpipes, not everyone's cup of tea, but an interesting instrument. I'd love to play for you, or ideally with you, or chat to you about them if you're interested. I can also leave them in their box if you prefer...

Languages - English is my native language, and I'd be very happy to help people practice their English or help them with difficulties. I can do the same for French but to a lower level.

Countries I’ve Visited

Australia, Czech Republic, Estonia, France, Germany, Italy, Latvia, Lithuania, Luxembourg, Norway, Spain, Turkey, United Kingdom

Countries I’ve Lived In

France, Norway, Scotland