2001
Jim Johnstone
(1937 - 2008)
Jim, from the East Lothian town of Tranent, was born into one of the most musical families in the country with his dad and three uncles all playing 5-row Continental Chromatics. After a year’s tuition from Bobby Anderson he moved to Chrissie Leatham which was also to lead to a lifelong friendship. Jim’s broadcasting career started in May 1950 on Children’s Hour. Two years later his pal Bobby Colgan bought a drum kit and they started playing at wee dances together. After National Service with the REME Jim firstly joined the “family band” then in 1962 The Andrew Rankine Band. In 1963 Andrew announced that he was emigrating to Australia so Jim left to form his own band. After a successful audition they did their first broadcast in August 1963. Around 1965 this band split up and Jim joined The Jimmy Shand Band. In 1967 he started an 18 month spell with Jimmy Blue’s Band and in 1968 Iain McFadyen approached Jim and asked him to form a band to carry on the White Heather Club in theatres and on TV.
Jim Johnstone
(1937 - 2008)
Jim, from the East Lothian town of Tranent, was born into one of the most musical families in the country with his dad and three uncles all playing 5-row Continental Chromatics. After a year’s tuition from Bobby Anderson he moved to Chrissie Leatham which was also to lead to a lifelong friendship. Jim’s broadcasting career started in May 1950 on Children’s Hour. Two years later his pal Bobby Colgan bought a drum kit and they started playing at wee dances together. After National Service with the REME Jim firstly joined the “family band” then in 1962 The Andrew Rankine Band. In 1963 Andrew announced that he was emigrating to Australia so Jim left to form his own band. After a successful audition they did their first broadcast in August 1963. Around 1965 this band split up and Jim joined The Jimmy Shand Band. In 1967 he started an 18 month spell with Jimmy Blue’s Band and in 1968 Iain McFadyen approached Jim and asked him to form a band to carry on the White Heather Club in theatres and on TV.