United Kingdom
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In 2011, I bought a small cottage on the Black Isle, just north of Inverness, which had previously been unoccupied for over 2 years and needed a lot of work. I spent the next 3 years on a major house renovation project, reconfiguring the rooms and converting the loft space into a new bedroom/study. The garden had also been left to grow wild, so I have another big project, which is ongoing, to develop the garden. I grow my own fruit and vegetables and have recently started keeping bees.
I have travelled a lot in my lifetime, including many expeditions to remote and wilderness areas of the world. I've set foot on every continent including two trips to Antarctica. I am interested in many aspects of traditional culture and I enjoy sharing my enthusiasm for Scottish music, storytelling, history etc. with visitors. I work as a doctor and spend a lot of my time being on-call from home. I am interested in social justice, human rights, feminism, ethics, philosophy, theatre & the arts. I enjoy reading, walking, climbing, running and other outdoor activities. I play fiddle and cello, mainly traditional Scottish music but also some classical.
I have enjoyed hosting independent travellers over the past few years, generally just for one or two days at a time. As a change, I decided to try this site having heard recommendations from several people, because I often have various tasks around the house and garden for which an extra pair of hands would be useful!
Gardening
Cooking / shopping
Help with Eco project
Help in the house
Language practice
Art project
I am interested many aspects of traditional culture, such as the oral storytelling traditions, music and dance. I enjoy helping visitors to experience life in the Highlands, including exploring the local area on walks or trips to visit notable sights or places of historical interest. I live not far from Chanonry Point, which is one of the best places in the world to see dolphins from the shore.
I would mainly appreciate help with general gardening activities such as landscaping, weeding, cutting wood, planting etc. It would also be appreciated if guests could share in household activities and preparation of meals. I enjoy learning about new cooking ideas and techniques from different parts of the world. I also simply enjoy getting to know new people and spending time together to explore the local area and develop new friendships.
English, Scots. I would like to improve my very basic French and Spanish!
I can provide a variety of accommodation options depending on needs and circumstances. Anything from a single bed in my study, to a sofa-bed in the music room or even a cabin by the shore if you prefer a rustic lifestyle!
My house is about 40 minutes walk plus 10 minutes by bus from Inverness city centre. Inverness, the Black Isle and the Highlands of Scotland have a wide variety of interesting places to visit and spectacular scenery!
Internet access
Limited internet access
We have pets
We are smokers
One
Completely negotiable - maximum 4-5 hours, 5 days a week
