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Piano James vows to press on after instrument damaged following arrest near Arbroath

James Tofalli and his piano.
James Tofalli and his piano.

Piano James, who has been towing his piano from John O’Groats to Lands End, has vowed to continue his journey after he was arrested and the instrument was damaged.

James Tofalli, better known as Piano James, was pulling his beloved piano to raise money and awareness of mental health issues.

Police pulled the 29-year-old over on the A92 near Arbroath on Wednesday, arresting him for various road traffic offences.

But after he was released, James paid the £150 fee to reclaim his beloved piano and has vowed to continue on his journey south.

Speaking to The Courier, James said his piano had been damaged so he planned to spend some time near Dundee before a planned gig in Stirling.

James with his piano on the A92 near Arbroath

“I was on a mission heading towards Stirling where I’d been invited to play at a follower’s 40th birthday party.

“My piano is damaged to a point where I can’t take it there now because its unplayable.

“So I’m now looking at staying around for the next few days and gathering a band to make this guy’s 40th as planned.”

Hundreds of messages of support have flooded James’ social media, with people urging him to continue.

James got his piano back

“By the time I came out of the police station, I already had permission to get the rig back. Everyone has grouped together to help me.

“It cost me £150 for the impound charges, and the piano has been damaged.”

James said the support had been inspiring, with people donating money to his crowd funder and buying merchandise.

Crowdfunder raises over £5,000 so far

“It’s been really nice the support that has come together,” he added.

A crowd funder set up by James has raised over £5,500 so far.

A Police Scotland spokesperson said: “Officers in Arbroath carried out a traffic stop at Elliot roundabout.

“A 29-year-old man was arrested and charged in connection with various road traffic offences and will be subject of a report to the procurator fiscal.”