Johnston family 'never lost hope'

Graham and Margaret Johnston's joy at their son's release
The parents of Scottish journalist Alan Johnston, the BBC's correspondent in Gaza, have spoken of their relief at him being freed from captivity.

Graham and Margaret Johnston said they "never lost hope" that they would see their son again.

Mr Johnston was abducted four months ago. He described his experience as "quite terrifying".

Speaking outside the family home in Argyll, Graham Johnston said it had been "a living nightmare".

Mr Johnston Sr said: "It's a wonderful morning, I can't tell you. We got the phone call late last night from the BBC and we're absolutely overjoyed.

"It's been 114 days of a living nightmare and just to hear his voice. He telephoned us. There was a lot of noise in the background - I think he was being jostled a lot - and all he said was: 'Hello, dad' and I: 'Hello, son, I hear you're alright.' He said: 'I'm a 100%'.

"The phone was cut so that's all we've had from him so far - but we've seen him on the box and it's just incredible; it's been a long 114 days."

"We have had absolutely amazing support from so many people and that is what has kept us in good spirits"
Graham and Margaret Johnston

Alan Johnston, said he had managed to speak to his father although the hours since his release had been "incredibly hectic".

Speaking of his family, he said: "I really feel that they have been through an awful lot. It's so good, the thought that I will be with them soon."

Graham Johnston thanked everyone who had supported the family while their son was being held.

He especially praised residents in the family's home village of Lochgoilhead.

"We have had absolutely amazing support from so many people and that is what has kept us in good spirits.

"The villagers have been amazing, they've been ever-present at vigils every Friday. We never lost hope he would be released."

Series of vigils

Members of the tight-knit community in Argyll have spoken of their joy at Alan's release.

Village minister the Rev Jim Macfarlane told BBC Radio Scotland's Good Morning Scotland: "It's just so wonderful. I am absolutely delighted.

"It's just wonderful news and everybody here in the village will be sharing what Margaret and Graham are sharing this morning.

"It's really special for them but it's wonderful for everybody else here in Lochgoilhead also."

"Even when we were a little downhearted we never really lost hope that we would see Alan again and it is wonderful that that is obviously now the case."

The owner of the Shore House Inn said there would be celebrations in the village.

Gillian Curtis said: "I'm absolutely delighted to hear the news. It's been the most horrific ordeal for Margaret and Graham. Thank God it's finally over for them."

Family friend Iain Hosack, the 102-year-old who shares the same birthday as Johnston, said he was "absolutely overjoyed and relieved".

Mr Johnston's father said that his son would probably be embarrassed by all the attention he has been getting.

"He is going to cringe when he realises all the pictures and stuff up all over the place, he's really going to cringe at that, he's pretty self-effacing sort of lad."

Mr Johnston's parents recently released 100 balloons in Lochgoilhead as part of a worldwide vigil for their son on his 100th day in captivity.

Rallies worldwide have called for the 45-year-old's release. An online petition was signed by some 200,000 people.

Throughout his captivity, friends and colleagues have also remembered Mr Johnston at a series of vigils outside BBC centres.

Mr Johnston said he fell ill twice during his captivity and spent most of his time in solitary confinement, without access to any windows.

He did have a radio however and was aware of the campaign to free him as he listened to the BBC World Service.

Mr Johnston was educated at Dollar Academy and went on to do an MA in English and Politics at Dundee University.

He gained a diploma in Journalism Studies from the University of Wales in Cardiff and joined the BBC in 1991.