A VALE veteran who has been playing the bagpipes for half a century has single-handedly managed to raise more than £2,000 for fellow vets at the Erskine Home in Bishopton.

Brian Warren, who served in the Royal Army Service Corps and the Argyll and Sutherland Highlanders, spent his mornings during the summer playing his beloved pipes at Loch Lomond Shores.

For the last three years, however, he has played for the public at Loch Lomond to raise money for a cause close to his heart.

Brian, from Alexandria, who was also a member of the Dunkirk Veterans Association, wanted to give something back to other retired war heroes who live at the home which offers nursing, residential, respite and dementia care for UK veterans throughout Scotland at four locations.

And thanks to his performances during the summer months, he managed to raise a staggering £2,406 which will now go to the veterans’ charity.

Morag Dorrian, Erskine community fundraiser for the West, said: “Brian and his bagpipes are becoming a familiar sight and sound at Loch Lomond Shores during the summer months and we want to thank him for his continued support.

“Fundraisers like Brian enable us to continue to care for over 800 veterans and their spouses each year in our four care homes.”

Brian added: “Many Dunkirk veterans have been cared for at Erskine and so I have visited The Erskine Home many times. It is a lovely place to be.

“Residents share a common bond all being from a military background. I wear my Argyll’s uniform when playing the bagpipes to raise money for Erskine and I am proud to do both. I would like to thank everyone who donated for their generosity and for supporting a very good cause. I would also like to thank staff at Loch Lomond Shores who have been very good to me.”