It was with regret we learned of the passing of Major John (Jock) Allan.

Major John Allan, MBE, 1934 - 2024

Former pupils, current, and former teachers and many former parents will be sorry to hear of the passing of Major John Allan, aged 89.

‘Jock’ was the piping instructor at Heriot’s in the 1990s and early 2000s. Prior to joining Heriot’s, he was the Director of the Army School of Bagpipe Music & Highland Drumming, having served in the Scots Guards and Queen’s Own Highlanders.

Among his many compositions is the tune George Heriot’s 1628, a mainstay of the pipe band repertoire since its composition and still played at every Founder’s Day ceremony.

The links below offer more details from those that knew him. 

Major John Allan – Piping Press

Tributes for Major John Allan – Piping Press