Ex-army pipe major proud of lone piper
John delighted for former pupil
A Stoneyburn army veteran watched with pride when he saw the lone piper perform at this year’s Edinburgh Military Tattoo.
And for former army pipe major John Johnson, this year’s performance had extra significance.
That’s because his ex-pupil, Lance Bombardier Megan Beveridge, became the first female from the regular army to perform the prestigious solo piper’s role at the Tattoo.
The 21-year-old was also the youngest person and the first woman to be awarded the pipe major qualification.
John, 57, was so inspired by seeing Megan’s success that he got his own bagpipes out after being unable to play for years.
Speaking after the event, John said: “I was one of Megan’s instructors on her pipe major’s course when she was a Black Watch cadet and remember teaching her how to play Highland Cathedral.
“I was going to throw my pipes out but I was so proud to see Megan performing at the Castle that I got them out for the first time in years.”
The 57-year-old granddad served with the Argyll and Sutherland Highlanders in Northern Ireland, Germany, Canada, and Hong Kong and was discharged in 1990 as a Lance Corporal.
But he had to give up the pipes after suffering from post-traumatic stress disorder and short-term memory loss as a result of his army service.
He said: “I asked for help but never got it. There was very little support for mental health issues then. It wasn’t until I finally saw an ex-navy doctor that I finally got help.”
John then contacted the charity Help for Heroes, who provide support to those who suffer career limiting injuries during service through the Band of Brothers (BoB) Fellowship.
He joined the BoB Fellowship last year and went on a health and wellbeing course at the charity’s Phoenix House recovery centre in Catterick, North Yorkshire.
John continued: “When I first went on the course it was quite scary. But joining Band of Brothers has made a big difference to me.
“I have had a ball, meeting people in the Band of Brothers and knowing I can talk to them as well as going to the various activities.”
John, who is also a member of the Livingston branch of Legion Scotland, has done a course with HorseBack UK, which is funded by Help for Heroes.
The course introduces wounded service personnel who have been mentally and physically scarred to horses to regain their confidence, dignity and mobility.
He added: “It was a great experience, a group of guys from military backgrounds all working together. I am going back to do a further course next month.”
Anyone who served in the Army, Royal Navy, Royal Marines or Royal Air Force who needs the support of Help for Heroes Phoenix House Recovery Centre can self-refer by calling 01748 834148.