Buddy up in or around Edinburgh

Hi !

I am a 34yo French professional, currently working as whisky distiller in the Highlands, but moving to Edinburgh for a new job in the whisky/art sector. I am looking for someone to buddy up with to find a flat in Edinburgh – Leith, Portobello, Musselburgh… would work as well! Even slightly further, like Linlithgow.

Some information about me: I was a literature and Latin teacher in a former life, then taught French as a second language and French culture in universities, before becoming a whisky distiller, to live off my passion! I will soon be starting a new job at the crossroads of my passions and previous experiences, whisky and arts. I have been living in the UK for almost five years now. Before I lived, studied or taught (and mainly faffed around) in Burgundy, France (where I come from), in Rome, Italy, in Chongqing and Suzhou, China, and in Ann Arbor, Michigan.

I am an easy-going, fairly laidback, curious, open-minded, tidy, quiet person who loves to share drinks at home or outside. I like a good conversation, sharing food and drinks, helping out, but I am also pretty quiet, very respectful of other people's spaces, and looking for someone who would be more or less the same! I am expecting to work extended hours, mainly from home – but not always – and will certainly be travelling 20% of the time, if not more. However, my girlfriend would be visiting roughly one month every three months (we can discuss arrangements about the rent/bills when she's here).

I have very eclectic tastes (especially in music, some would say weird - classical / minimalist music, folk, punk (rarely), or even Mongolian throat singing (not so rarely)!) and I am currently learning to play the piano (in my early, babyish stages). I go for a run at least twice or thrice a week. I am curious about almost anything, passed a RHS exam (about plants – love them, especially trees) and distillation and brewing exams recently. I also like cooking when I have time, reading, hiking, watching all kinds of films, and using a fair amount of brackets (as you can see). I also have a car (for now) and two bikes (maybe only one soon), which should be considered when choosing the flat! My budget is £700-1100 (bills included) and would ideally like an ensuite room, but it is not mandatory. I would like to share a two-bed flat with only one other person, as I said in Edinburgh, but I will consider many other options!

I am looking to move in Spring (between April and July), and I am looking for the right housemate more than just someone to help pay the rent, so I'd love to hear from you – please let me know more about yourself!
Looking forward to hearing from you,
Colas