Pipers were out on their doorsteps in force tonight as thousands of people across the north and north-east of Scotland applauded the work of key workers during the coronavirus pandemic.
After last week’s #clapforcarers proved a booming success across the UK, there was a tartan twist added to this week’s edition north of the border as bagpipers were encouraged to belt out Scotland the Brave to honour not just NHS staff, but all key workers.
The call was answered from Stornoway to Stonehaven as people gathered to show their appreciation at 8pm.
Check out our video above for a flavour of what it was like tonight.
Further south, UK Prime Minister Boris Johnson emerged from self-isolation to join the applauding of key workers on the frontlines of the coronavirus pandemic.
Mr Johnson appeared briefly on the steps of Number 10 to join in, the first time he has been seen in person since announcing he had been diagnosed with Covid-19 last week.
He told those gathered outside: “I am not allowed out really, I am just standing here.”
In Edinburgh, Nicola Sturgeon and the Scottish government gathered on the steps of Holyrood.
Finlay MacDonald, 42, of Clarkston in East Renfrewshire, took part in the Pipe Up! For The Key Workers! event.
He said: “It was great, a really special moment – all our neighbours were out in their gardens with a rousing round of applause.
“This is our way of entertaining people and showing our appreciation to key staff who are keeping us safe.”
Bagpipers were urged by the National Piping Centre to play Scotland The Brave in their own neighbourhoods.
Meanwhile, emergency services personnel sounded their sirens to show their appreciation.
The first Clap For Carers took place on Thursday, March 26 and is expected to continue on a weekly basis.
ITV paused its programming as part of the tribute.
