Holidays are about experiences and people, and tuning into what you feel like doing at that moment. Enjoy not having to look at a watch.

Percussion is physical, as most instruments are. The body must function well in order to play the instruments well. Last year I climbed Mount Kilimanjaro.

I suppose I don't hear things, but I listen, if you know what I mean. And there is a big difference between hearing and listening. So it's like a conversation, you know. When you speak to someone, it's one on one, and that's exactly how I play.

The human body and mind are tremendous forces that are continually amazing scientists and society. Therefore, we have no choice but to keep an open mind as to what the human being can achieve.

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.

Percussion is the most adaptable family of instruments. The biggest challenge is to project percussion in a lyrical way.

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