Journalist's tearful family reunion

My Account
Logout

Create an Evening Standard Account

Use your social network

Save time by using your existing account to sign in to Evening Standard

We'll never share your information or post anything to your account without your permission

Welcome! Sign in here

Use your social network

Save time by using your existing account to sign in to Evening Standard

We'll never share your information or post anything to your account without your permission

Forgot your password ?

Registration

* indicates fields that are mandatory

Email *

Password *

Confirm Password *

First name *

Surname *

Postcode *

Country *

Mobile phone number

Username *

Gender *

Year of birth *

When you sign up...

You will have access to all our online competitions, discounted offers and can post comments on our site.

You will also receive The Weekender newsletter sent every Thursday - it’s full of fantastic offers and ideas for the weekend. You can update your email preferences in your account page when you log in.

Other newsletters and emails

Homes & Property Newsletter - Yes I want to receive the weekly email with all the latest news on property in the capital

Occasionally we would also like to send you relevant emails detailing specific offers either from ourselves or carefully selected partners. If you would prefer not to receive these then please tick the appropriate boxes below. We will never pass on your details.

I do not want to receive additional offers and information from the Evening Standard

I do not want to receive additional offers and information sent by Evening Standard on behalf of carefully selected partners

Terms and Conditions

* I have read, understood and agree to be bound by the terms and conditions of Evening Standard

Registration

Mail Sent for Registration Confirmation.

A confirmation email has been sent. Please activate your account by clicking on the activation link sent in your mail box.

The BBC correspondent arrived to an emotional welcome back home in Lochgoilhead, Scotland, after being released from 114 days' captivity.

He met his parents, Graham and Margaret, and sister Katriona for the first time since his ordeal ended on Wednesday, saying the moment had been "hard to believe".

Mr Johnston, who celebrated his 45th birthday in captivity, said: "It's really so hard to believe that just four days ago I was locked in that cell in the depth of Gaza city and here I am back with my family in this beautiful and peaceful place.

"Travelling home has just never felt so very good as it does today, as you can imagine. It's something that will stay with you all your life."

The former Gaza correspondent greeted waiting reporters outside his parents' bungalow, half-an-hour after being reunited with his family. They all showed signs of crying and high emotion after their reunion.

Mr Johnston flew in from Israel earlier in the day where he had been recuperating since being freed on Wednesday. He was kidnapped on March 12 in Gaza, sparking a world-wide campaign to secure his release.

Mr Johnston added that he would be celebrating with champagne. "There's so much to talk about. I'm going to have some time with the family and a couple of months of rest. I haven't quite worked out where the BBC might fit me in when I get back."

The correspondent's family did not say much during the press greeting, instead beaming with delight and letting their red eyes betray the tears that had flowed when they met.

Mr Johnston also had access to a radio during his captivity. He paid tribute to the support that poured in after the kidnap. About 200,000 people signed an online petition calling for his release. Political and faith leaders, as well as colleagues around the world, also joined in the freedom campaign.