I'm not a deaf musician. I'm a musician who happens to be deaf.

Society cannot continue to disable themselves through their need to categorize people or make assumptions as to another individual's abilities.

Music really is our daily medicine.

Apart from Scottish traditional music, I wasn't really influenced by any kind of music. I just basically followed my own instincts.

Scotland has never ceased to amaze the world with its forward vision, bold action and great educational institutions. Nothing makes me more proud than to promote this wonderful land with all its richness and diversity wherever I go.

And as I grew older, I then auditioned for the Royal Academy of Music in London, and they said, well, no, we won't accept you, because we haven't a clue - you know - of the future of a so-called 'deaf' musician. And I just couldn't quite accept that.

I often play on the cello-bass side of the orchestra, because I prefer the deep sounds. I can't hear the violins well.