My Interests

My Musical Journey

Music has been a significant part of my life, allowing me to express creativity and emotion through various forms. It's not just a hobby—it's a way of connecting with others and expressing myself in ways that words sometimes can't.

What I Do

• Playing guitar for over 5 years, exploring different genres from old-school blues to indie and beyond
• Vocal performance and singing (this is very much a work in progress)
• Writing and composing original music
• And just generally being a nuisance to my flatmates

Musical Influences

I draw inspiration from a wide range of artists and genres. From the raw emotion of blues legends to the innovative sounds of modern indie artists, each style teaches me something new about music and self-expression.

Why Music Matters

Music provides a perfect balance to my technical studies. While programming requires logical thinking and precision, music allows me to explore creativity and emotion. It's taught me patience, discipline, and the importance of practice—skills that translate well to software development.

Exploring Scotland's Beauty

Hiking provides me with a perfect balance of physical activity and mental relaxation. Living in Scotland gives me access to some of the most beautiful landscapes in the world, and I make the most of every opportunity to explore them.

My Hiking Activities

• Exploring scenic trails in the Scottish Highlands
• Photography of landscapes and wildlife
• Finding new places to explore
• Planning and organizing hiking trips with friends

Favorite Locations

Some of my favorite hiking spots include the Cairngorms National Park, the Isle of Skye, and the West Highland Way. Each location offers unique challenges and breathtaking views that make every hike memorable.

Benefits Beyond Exercise

Hiking isn't just about physical fitness—it's about mental clarity and problem-solving. Navigating trails, planning routes, and adapting to weather conditions all require strategic thinking that complements my programming work.

My Passion for Classic Cars

My passion for classic cars combines mechanical knowledge with hands-on restoration work. There's something special about bringing an old car back to life and understanding how every component works together.

Current Project

• Currently restoring a classic Mk1 Golf as a passion project
• Learning automotive mechanics and restoration techniques
• Attending classic car shows and events
• Documenting the restoration process which I might start posting about more often

Why Classic Cars?

Classic cars represent a perfect blend of engineering and artistry. Unlike modern cars with complex electronics, classic cars have mechanical systems that you can see, understand, and work on. It's like debugging code, but with wrenches instead of keyboards.

Skills Developed

Working on cars has taught me patience, attention to detail, and systematic problem-solving. These skills directly translate to software development—understanding how systems work, troubleshooting issues, and methodically working through complex problems.

University Sailing Team

Sailing has become an important part of my university experience, combining teamwork, strategy, and outdoor adventure. As an active member of the University of Dundee Sailing Team, I've developed skills that extend far beyond the water.

Team Activities

• Active member of the University of Dundee Sailing Team
• Participating in competitive sailing events and regattas
• Developing leadership and teamwork skills on the water
• Learning navigation, weather patterns, and boat handling techniques
• Building lasting friendships through shared sailing experiences

Skills on the Water

Sailing requires quick decision-making, spatial awareness, and the ability to work effectively under pressure. These skills have proven invaluable in my academic work and will be crucial in my professional career.

Competitive Spirit

Participating in regattas has taught me about strategy, preparation, and performance under pressure. The competitive environment pushes me to constantly improve and work as part of a cohesive team.

Life Lessons

Sailing has taught me that success often depends on preparation, teamwork, and the ability to adapt to changing conditions—lessons that apply to both sailing and software development.