I am a drummer and percussionist specialising in Middle Eastern and eastern European percussion. I have over 30 years' experience in performing and recording various other styles of music such as Scottish and Irish folk, jazz, funk, hip-hop and medieval music.

The purpose of my Fellowship was to explore and learn other European bagpipe and drumming traditions, focusing on Bulgaria and France.

After developing an interest in bagpipes and then joining the Innerleithen Pipe Band, I expanded my interest in other European bagpipe traditions with a keen interest in the drumming traditions that often accompany the various piping traditions. Eastern Europe and the Balkans have a strong influence from Turkey, Greece and the Middle East, whereas France holds a Highland piping tradition similar to that of Scotland.

Learning these musical styles has given me a much better understanding of music in general, and has also helped facilitate opportunities such as playing with medieval music ensembles. Locally, the music I have learnt has spread to many other folk musicians, sometimes resulting in new bands being formed.