One of the leading stars of the Edinburgh International Festival, the Spanish virtuoso Jordi Savall, has been involved in a mid-air incident on his journey to the capital.
Mr Savall, 66, a pioneering soloist, conductor and composer, described as "one of the great musicians of our time", was interviewed by police after his flight from Spain to Scotland.
Mr Savall, known for his work with the ancient viola da gamba instrument, strongly objected to the staff of his FlyGlobespan flight moving his "priceless" instrument from his side as the plane came into land in Edinburgh on August 5.
The Catalonian musician, who is credited with bringing the viola da gamba to life for contemporary audiences, wanted to travel with the instrument at his side.
However, airline staff informed him that the delicate instrument, which dates from 1697, could not be in the seat beside him for take-off and landing. After a discussion, the instrument was placed in a toilet cubicle for take-off.
Mr Savall, it is understood, was under the impression he had agreed with staff it was acceptable for the instrument to be secured in the seat beside him for the whole flight after take off.
He removed it from the toilet for the duration of the flight, and when it came to land in Edinburgh, an altercation took place between the musician and staff when they tried to put it back in the lavatory. This led to the flight crew calling the police on the ground.
It is understood one member of the crew suffered damage to her ankle during the incident and is now off work.
It is believed that Mr Savall objected to one member of the cabin crew when they reached for the instrument, which he had placed in the seat beside him.
Lothian and Borders Police last night said a 66-year-old man had been interviewed after the flight but was released without charge.
A spokesperson for FlyGlobespan sad: "We are very disappointed that the gentleman did not follow the sensible compromise agreed by the captain, to store the instrument in the toilet for take-off and landing.
"If, however, he agrees to that stipulation for the return journey then we will be happy to take him."
Mr Savall has since performed a series of concerts at the festival, including a recital at the Queen's Hall which was given a five-star review by The Herald's music critic Michael Tumelty on Tuesday.
A spokesman for the EIF said: "We understand the incident arose from a misunderstanding between FlyGlobespan cabin crew over Mr Savall's priceless 1697 viola da gamba for which he had bought seats.
"We understand Mr Savall complied with all that was asked of him on the flight, and that cabin crew appear to have changed the arrangements during the flight.
"After giving a statement on his arrival at the airport, Mr Savall completed his journey to Edinburgh without any action being taken."
He added: "The Festival regrets that a musician of Mr Savall's standing should have such an unfortunate introduction to Scotland.
"Thankfully, he was able to put this incident behind him and has been delighting our audiences with his virtuosity. He was only travelling with this airline one way and had already made other arrangements for his return home."
Mr Savall was unavailable for comment last night.
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