It is with great sadness that the Band has learnt of the recent passing of Pipe Major John Stewart.

John died on Friday, January 8th. 

John was born in Aviemore, Invernessshire, in 1935, in a family of pipers including both his grandfathers, an uncle and his father.  One of his grandfathers, Jim Lobban, was a piper in the Cameron Highlanders and played in action during the Boer war.

After learning to play the pipes just after the end of the Second World War, John's early tuition was provided by a local ex Scots Guards Piper Colin Dunbar.  This instruction was followed by tuition from Pipe Major William Ross of Edinburgh Castle, before he turned to Colonel J.P. Grant, a well respected Piobaireachd authority.

By the age of 12 years, John was successfully competing in the local competitions and Highland gatherings.  He left school at the age of 15 years and began working as a Junior Porter on the railway, stationed at the busy Aviemore Rail Junction.

Following a short spell as a junior clerk, John turned to forestry and remained there until joining the Queen's Own Cameron Highlanders in 1953 as a national serviceman.

During this period, John became one of the last pupils to be taught by the famous Pipe Major, John MacDonald, MBE, of Inverness.

During his army days, John played in the Cameron Highlanders Pipe Band under Pipe Major Evan McRae and served at the same time with Corporal John D Burgess.  Having served in North Germany and the UK, he left army life in 1955 and returned to work in the Forestry Commission.

John joined Aberdeen City Police in April 1957.

The Band at that time were led by Pipe Major Donald Morrison. After 3 years John was appointed Pipe Sergeant and in 1969, following Donald Morrison's retrial, John took over the role of Pipe Major.  He was also promoted within the Police to the rank of Sergeant and worked within the Traffic Department, latterly dealing with stolen vehicles.

John pictured (left) with ex Pipe Sergeant Duncan Watson

John led the Band to many memorable heights and achievements until he retired in October 1976, and Jim Christie took over as Pipe Major.

Throughout his playing years, John competed as a solo piper at various games and gatherings.  His name is on many trophies and prize lists at Aboyne, Aberdeen, Lonach, Nethy Bridge and Ballater.  Whilst under the tuition of Pipe Major Bob Brown, the Queens Piper, he won the Braemar Gold Medal for Piobaireachd in 1969.

During the early eighties, he was regularly invited onto the Radio Piping Programme "Chanter".

John retired from the Police in 1987 and devoted much of his time to teaching.  John taught young pipers from scratch and a number of more mature students achieve musical qualifications.

John composed several tunes and wrote about his playing days.  He never lost his dedication to piping.

Pipe Major Drew Sinclair said: "We are all deeply saddened by the news John has died.  He was an inspirational player, tutor and person.  There are few bands in the northeast who don't have a player taught by John.

"He leaves a legacy that will be around for many years to come."

John's committal service will be held at Aberdeen Crematorium (West Chapel) on Wednesday, January 20th, at 10.25a.m.  This will be followed by a remembrance service in Mannofield Parish Church at 11.30a.m. 

Our thoughts and prayers are with John's wife Audrey, son Gary, daughter Lesley and the rest of their family at this sad time.

ENDS