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BRAVE Bosnian teenager Stefan Savic is looking forward to a bright future thanks to Scottish heroes – and a Scottish musical legend.

Stefan’s rare and severe facial disfigurement touched the hearts of soldiers from the 1st Battalion the Highlanders and the 9th/12th Lancers when they met him in his native country 10 years ago.

And generous Record readers helped them to raise £85,000 to fund life-changing surgery in Britain.

Now, with one final operation coming up, Stefan, 14, has revealed another Scots link in his life, saying that the late accordionist Sir Jimmy Shand has been an inspiration to him.

The teenager – who is due to return to the UK in April for surgery – is learning the accordion and recently discovered YouTube films of Sir Jimmy.

He said last night: “Everything is just great. I like to spend every minute of the day out, when possible.

“Three times a week, I have accordion lessons which I enjoy a lot because I and a couple of friends get together and play.

“I got a new accordion as a present from my family for my birthday and I like to take it everywhere I go. Sometimes we even make a singing competition.

“I have just seen a video of Jimmy Shand and I know he is a hero in Scotland. He was an amazing accordion player and man and he will inspire me in the future.”

We reported in 2003 how Stefan’s condition – called a Tessier cleft– left him with a 2in-wide hole in his head, no proper nose and a lump between his eyes.

Former soldier Wayne Ingram, 44, who first discovered Stefan during a patrol in the Bosnian war zone, is now organising a fresh appeal to raise £15,000 to help pay for expenses associated with Stefan’s final treatment.

David Dunaway, the surgeon who carried out Stefan’s first operation in 2003, is waiving his fee, which would have been more than £10,000.

Wayne said: “The Daily Record readers have really taken this young man to their hearts. It wasn’t just the money – Stefan’s family were inundated with good luck messages from across Scotland. I know his mother and aunt read every single one.

“Scotland has a very special place in the hearts of Stefan and his family.”

Wayne added: “We knew he would require further surgery and I couldn’t leave the family in the lurch so stuck with them to ensure the op was carried out.

Stefan was supported in his first round of surgery by adopted Scot David Jackson, known as “the boy David”.

Peruvian-born David, whose face was ravaged by a flesh-eating disease, had it rebuilt by Scots plastic surgeon Ian Jackson, who became his adoptive father. His life was the subject of a hit documentary.

He advised Stefan’: “Keep your head up, though life will be hard. Your friends and family will help you through.”

Stefan’s aunt, Dzejna Milakovic-Ramadani, expressed her thanks to all the Daily Record readers who helped him.

She said: “Stefan and his mum and dad would really like to thank the Scottish people for their kindness.

Having the operation has made it easier for him at school. He’s got a lot of friends. He was an amazing boy before but now many more people can realise it. There are no words that could describe our gratitude.”