Bagpipers from around Scotland will join forces tonight to celebrate key workers dealing with the coronavirus pandemic.

A number of schools have called on students who play the bagpipes to join in a mass rendition of Scotland the Brave from 8pm, in Scotland and beyond.

Finlay MacDonald, the director of Scotland’s National Piping Centre, is one of the organisers of the event. It coincides with the second Clap for Our Carers celebration, which this time will also celebrate the contribution of teachers during the Covid-19 outbreak.

Mr MacDonald will be playing outside his home in Glasgow’s Clarkston area, accompanied by his sons on chanters and - while practising social distancing - a number of other musicians in the area.

Pipers from around the world, including from Canada, India and Japan, have said they will join in. Other musicians are planning to accompany the pipers with fiddles and accordions.

Among the bagpipe players reported to taking part are former Downing Street aide Alastair Campbell, who will play Scotland the Brave in London.