Eighty years ago on D-Day, Lord Lovat’s piper, Bill Millin, piped the Special Service Brigade ashore at Sword Beach. As his comrades fell, ‘Piper Bill’ played rousing pieces such as Highland Laddie, The Road to the Isles, and All The Blue Bonnets Are Over The Border through explosions and gunfire on that bloody first day.
He survived, perhaps in part to providence, but also because German soldiers defending the coast took pity on Piper Bill and chose not to shoot him, thinking he had gone mad.
Fast forward to 2024 and the safer streets of Larkhall where Piper Haroon Rashid, also well known, met with Scott Cunningham, the Challenge and Community Events Officer (Scotland) of SSAFA, the Armed Forces charity.
Piper Haroon is often asked to pipe at weddings, funerals, and other community events. He does not charge for the services provided, but does accept donations and has chosen to support SSAFA, presenting the charity with a cheque for £750.
Giving detail, Piper Haroon said: “It was an honour to present a donation to SSAFA in my hometown of Larkhall, and I’d like to thank the people of Larkhall and all who have supported us during our fundraising efforts.
“After gaining some excellent insight from Scott and his colleague David, it’s clear that the work SSAFA does is incredible and lifechanging for its beneficiaries. Being able to contribute to such an amazing organisation with Scott championing the cause in our area has been an honour and would not be possible without the community spirit and amazing people our wee town has.
“I pass on my heartfelt thanks to Scott and all those involved at SSAFA for their amazing work as well as the people of Larkhall who supported our efforts, and special thanks also to Derrick at Bleachfields Cafe for his warm hospitality.”
Scott added: “Haroon is a very kind young man and a gifted piper, and all of us in SSAFA are delighted that he’s chosen to support our work in Scotland.”
Being a gifted piper is a bonus, not a prerequisite for supporting SSAFA as it helps serving personnel and veterans, as well as their families. To donate, volunteer, fundraise, or seek support, search for ‘SSAFA Scotland’.