Andrew leads Scots' chorus in Japan

Oct 16 2009 by Edwin Lawrence

AN AYR man led the Scottish football fans in song before the big game kicked off in Japan at the weekend.

And Andrew McGarva was the perfect choice to lead the Tartan Army singing Flower of Scotland in Yokohama.

For Andrew, 37, a former Wellington School head of music, recently came back to Scotland after two years working in Japan.

But he was asked to return to the Far East for this very special assignment.

And he was delighted to accept – even though the match clashed with his wedding anniversary!

Andrew is the newly-appointed director of music at leading girls’ boarding school Kilgraston, near Perth.

Previously he had a two-year stint as head of music at the British School in Tokyo.

And while in Japan, Andrew performed at numerous high-profile events.

These included one as musical director and conductor of the Tokyo Philharmonic Orchestra.

This was for a gala concert to celebrate links between Japan and Scotland as part of UK Japan 150 and Homecoming Scotland.

Andrew said: “Musically speaking, it was the most amazing thing I’ve ever done.”

It was the Japan Society of Scotland who asked Andrew if he would be interested in flying back for the Japan versus Scotland game.It was a tremendous honour to be invited back.

“I regard Japan as my second home, and this was a very special return.

“The 10th October was actually my wedding anniversary, and after a lengthy discussion with my wife Barbara I was in the position to accept the invitation.

“It was certainly an anniversary I will never forget.”

Andrew admitted feeling nervous as he stood in the stadium tunnel before the match.

With him was older brother Donald, who has made Japan his home. Andrew said: “A famous Japanese pop star was there to sing the home team’s anthem.

“And she admitted to feeling nervous, so that made me feel better.”

Andrew said he could hear the Tartan Army singing along, even though they were numbered in hundreds rather than thousands.

“They were at the other side of the stadium and about two bars behind me though!”

Andrew’s parents, Don and Margaret, in their Ayr home, heard Andrew sing in the live TV coverage from Japan on Saturday morning.

And up in Perth, so too did Barbara, who was watching with daughter Kate, 6½.

Little Kate was bowled over to hear her daddy sing live from Japan.