A Leopard comes in from the Cold.....
It was after my experiences in Kosovo that I decided to try something other than photojournalism
I embarked on a new project with more than a little help from my now producer Clare
To photograph the UK's most unusual Guinness world record holders
High on the list was Tom Leopard, who was the most tattooed man in the world, with close to 100 percent of his body covered in Tattoos
He lived on the Isle of Skye, Scotland
During our research we had heard all sorts of unlikely stories of how Tom lives
We set out from Kyleakin in a small boat with rather too much camera equipment (less really is more my friends...)
As we landed on the beach close to where he lived he greeted us warmly
Contrary to appearance I found him to be one of the most kind gentle and lovely human beings I have ever met
Eccentric? Yes
But I say 'Vive le difference'
We spent all day with him in his tiny and humble dwelling, made from little more than rocks.
With no running water or electricity
Tom used all his experiences from his life in the Navy to keep everything clean, tidy, and in order
He had a great philosophy, living very much in tune with nature and did not believe in killing anything, even fish
As we sat talking to him otters popped their heads above the water to give us the once over
It was a very,very special day.
The BBC reported last week that the cold isolated life has become too much for him now he is in his mid 70's
He has moved into an one bedroom house, you can read the story here