A 12-year-old bagpiper who was mobbed in an "intimidating" livestream incident in Edinburgh has donated more than £17,000 to his school pipe band. Elliot Wilson was busking in Princes Street Gardens last month when he and his mum Lynsey were approached by a large group of young people with social media influencer J2hundred.
The youngster claimed he was repeatedly asked to play while being filmed and livestreamed, before an unknown liquid was sprayed over him and his pipe case. His case was ruined and his kilt needed cleaning following the incident.
Fundraiser total
A fundraiser was launched to pay for dry cleaning and a new case. But after the social media stunt went viral, thousands of people rallied to aid the youngster, raising a total of £17,624. The big-hearted schoolboy said he was "incredibly grateful" as he donated the entire amount to the Preston Lodge High School Pipe Band.
His mum Lynsey said the family had been overwhelmed by the generosity that came from across the globe. She told The Record: "We received donations from Australia, New Zealand and the USA - and of course Edinburgh and Elliot's classmates.
"Elliot has also received messages of support from Greece and Italy.
"The pipe band are just overwhelmed and amazed. It takes a lot of money to run so it's very welcome."
Support from piping community
The band has around 96 members and faces significant costs, including travelling to competitions. Elliot has also been overwhelmed by the kindness of people since the incident. He was invited to Glasgow to meet musician Cammy Barnes, who generously gave him another case, a practice chanter, two books of bagpipe tunes and other goodies.
Piping musician Kyle Warren, formerly of Red Hot Chilli Pipers, also sent Elliot two of his books of pipe tunes, which he signed for him. Klassic Kilts in Dalkeith steam cleaned his kilt free of charge, while Broadleys Bagpipes and Reeds in Kirkcaldy sent him a brand-new top-of-the-line case.
Elliot's gratitude
Lynsey previously described how the group "swarmed" her son and got "right up in his face" while he was playing on September 19. Elliot later said he had been left feeling so upset that he initially thought he would "never busk again". But the huge outpouring of support has given the youngster a positive way forward, with the money raised now set to benefit the band he is so passionate about.
Elliot said: "People from all over the world and all over the piping community heard my story and decided to stand together.
"I honestly cannot put into words how grateful I am.
"So many of you donated, commented, shared the fundraiser and took the time to DM me with messages of love and support.
"It has meant more to me than you will ever realise.
"The last couple of weeks haven’t been easy following what happened, and I’ve been a bit quieter on social media than I normally would be, but the kindness I’ve received has been overwhelming.
"I’m so proud that the generosity shown to me can now be passed on to my pipe band where the money will do so much good."
Lynsey confirmed that there has still been no apology or contact from J2hundred following the incident.
