Fareham pensioner, 88, plays bagpipes for potentially the final time on Burns Night

John Young, 88, from Fareham, received a standing ovation on Saturday night when he gave a ceremonial address for Burns Night.

After his father was killed in the First World War, John grew up at a boarding school in Dunfermline, where he learned to play the bagpipes from the age of nine.

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But as he gets older, John has found it increasingly difficult to play the bagpipes, and is considering giving up for good.

‘My lungs are still pretty good, all things considered,’ he said.

‘That’s the main reason why I’ve been able to carry on playing for as long as I have, but I can’t carry on forever.

‘At the school I went to you could either play the bagpipes, the drums or be part of a marching band – I definitely made the right choice.’

Throughout his life, John has played at a number of weddings, funerals and other ceremonies, including Burns Nights at masonic halls throughout the Solent region.

In celebration of this Scottish festivity, John played the bagpipes at the Cams Mill pub in Fareham, ceremonially leading in the signature haggis dish.

‘Haggis is an absolute must,’ he said.

‘But then you need to cover it in whisky, and wash it down with even more.

‘Honestly my favourite nights have come from playing the pipes on Burns Night and addressing the haggis.’

For what could be his final performance, John’s entire family came out to support him, some of whom had never seen him play before.

For others, such as his son – also called John – they had seen him play but this was a poignant moment.

‘I’m genuinely so proud of him,’ his son said.

His dad John added: ‘It was lovely to play for people who haven’t seen me play before, particularly the younger ones in the family.

‘To have everyone here made it a very special evening indeed.’