Stuart started drumming with the Dundee-based Mains of Fintry pipe band last year. It soon proved a discerning choice for the twenty-two-year-old Limavady man.
Chinese officials were so impressed with the outfit's performances during a recent tour of France that they promptly signed them up to represent the entire European continent at the 2008 games.
Some of the group initially believed it was a joke when they were told they had been asked to play at the spectacular ceremony.
But it turned out to be a dream come true, that the offer was genuine, and the motley crew, which included our own aspiring architect, a decorator, a fireman and a meat inspector amongst others, embarked on their incredible journey to participate in the twenty-ninth Olympiad.A confidentiality agreement signed with the organisers meant they were under strict instructions to keep hush hush about their involvement up until the big day. But Stuart has now described to the Sentinel the once in a lifetime experience.
"It was absolutely brilliant to be part of such an amazing event," he said. "It was mind-blowing. During the rehearsals there were no athletes involved so we weren't on the stage for any length of time but on the night of the ceremony we were up there for two-and-a-half hours so it was amazing."
Surely it must have taken nerves of steel to steady the band ahead of such a massive gig?
"Not really. I think because we had three rehearsals there weren't any nerves, more excitement. I think the adrenalin was so high that we just went out and enjoyed it."
For the former Limavady Grammar and Drumachose PS pupil it was particularly satisfying as an architecture student, to play in the revolutionary bird's nest Beijing National Stadium - the brainchild of Jacques Herzog and Pierre de Meuron.
"The stadium is brilliant. I'd seen images of it in newspapers and the internet before but it's nothing to compare with being there. It's ten times better when you experience it in reality.
"And the reception we got from everyone over there was great. Everyone was very welcoming and friendly."
Stuart reserved special thanks for his uncle, Colin Martin, for getting him interested in drumming several years ago, for Drum Sergeant Richard Stewart of the Mains of Fintry pipe band, for dedicating his time to teach him the drum scores in time for Beijing, and finally for Pipe Major Richard Smith for giving him the opportunity to play at such an amazing venue with a brilliant group of musicians.