Thank you, Mr Cochrane: KT Tunstall remembers an inspirational teacher

Singer-songwriter KT Tunstall has hailed her favourite teacher for encouraging her musical talent.

She joined other stars remembering their school days in support of WaterAid’s campaign to get clean water and toilets into schools so more girls can complete their education and build a better future.

Tunstall, famous for songs like Suddenly I See, is among 10 stars including Nadiya Hussain, Dame Jacqueline Wilson and Cerys Matthews who are lending their support to WaterAid’s Thirst for Knowledge appeal.

Public donations made by February 15 will be matched by the UK Government up to £2 million, to help communities in Nepal.

Tunstall said she was a daydreamer who had the chance to try many different things at school.

She explained: “My school reports stated ‘has potential but easily distracted’ and they were totally accurate. I was definitely a daydreamer, occasionally falling on the naughty side but I was keen to try out anything from chess to fencing to metal work. I had some great teachers. The head of music at the High School of Dundee was Mr Cochrane.

“He was always really supportive of me and my talent. He made the music room feel like a playground. I spent a lot of time just playing on pianos, electric keyboards and guitars.”

A third of schools globally have no basic water supply or decent toilets, leading to a detrimental impact on millions of children’s health and education.

WaterAid chief executive Tim Wainwright said: “Our school days have a profound impact on our lives. School should be a time for learning, for dreaming about the future and gaining the skills to pursue your goals but schools should also be safe and healthy places.”