From a relatively solitary existence in Scotland, he has become a known, respected and loved inhabitant of his tiny village, which doesn't extend much beyond a main terraced street.

Initially, by being charming to everyone in his then hesitant French, he skilfully avoided taking sides in an acrimonious two-family feud and quietly slipped in and out of the village. Then he faithfully attended every soiree and fete in the salle but never pushed himself upon the tight-knit family groupings.