A YOUNG musician from Dollar Academy is tuning up to complete a 100 night in a row piping challenge for a good cause.

Max Rae, 15, has been out piping around his Bridge of Allan home each night since the coronavirus lockdown began.

In less than a month, he will complete 100 sessions in a row, all while raising thousands of pounds for Strathcarron Hospice.

Max, a member of the world champion Juvenile Pipe Band at the academy, has also been offering his services through Bridge of Allan Cares.

This saw him surprising people with his bagpipe on their birthdays in the area as well as residents at nursing homes and in sheltered housing – all while keeping a safe distance.

During lockdown, he has piped for children turning four and even helped a lovely lady celebrate her 80th birthday.

Max's father John Rae has been delighted to see his son use his talent to provide some entertainment for people, all while supporting the hospice.

He said: "We are very proud that Max is giving his time freely each night and also piping for people's birthdays.

"It really is lovely when a fully dressed piper marches down the street just to play for you and your family and of course the neighbours usually have been tipped off that he is coming.

"All this is done whilst observing social distancing and it is very memorable and a little bit special in these challenging times."

Max has been piping each night since March 24 and is just a few weeks away from reaching 100 nights in a row.

Readers may remember Max making the headlines a few years ago when the then 12-year-old became the first person to combine his bagpiping skills with his passion for wakeboarding.

In a popular video, he was seen playing the pipes as he kept his balance while being towed by a boat and surfing in the wake.

Like many other musicians in and around the Wee County, Max has also been supporting the Clap for Carers initiative on Thursdays and has been receiving requests for outside visits from around Bridge of Allan on social media.

So far, Max's fundraising drive has raised a whopping £5,300 with money still flowing in.

People can follow his progress by finding the Max the Piper page on Facebook.

To support the fundraiser and help him reach the £6,000 target, which would cover around half a day's operational costs at Strathcarron Hospice, visit bit.ly/2Yhs3PE to donate.

Alternatively, head to strathcarronhospice.net and search for Max Pipes for 100 Nights.