Local members of an Armed Forces charity were fundraising last weekend to help erect a statue to an almost forgotten Scottish hero.

The ASA (Ancre Somme Association) Scotland charity were in Glasgow’s Central Station on Saturday – the day before the devastating fire in a neighbouring building closed the area – to raise awareness of their plans for a lasting memorial to “The Piper of Loos”, Daniel Logan Laidlaw VC.

The piper who was born in the small Scottish Borders village of Little Swinton in 1875 served with the King’s Own Scottish Borderers and during WWI he played his pipes in No Mans Land to rally his fellow troops. He continued playing until he was wounded.

He received the Victoria Cross – the highest award for gallantry from King George V at Buckingham Palace in early 1916. The French later awarded him the Croix de Guerre, which was commonly awarded to members of allied armed forces for heroic deeds.

Members and supporters of the ASA Scotland charity fundraising at Glasgow's Central Station. Pic: Contributed

placeholder image — Members and supporters of the ASA Scotland charity fundraising at Glasgow's Central Station. Pic: Contributed

His Victoria Cross and other medals are now on display in the National Museum of Scotland in Edinburgh.

Piper Laidlaw VC died in 1950 and is buried at St Cuthbert's Churchyard, Norham, Northumberland.

However, there is no memorial in his home village and the ASA members, working with the Laidlaw family and Swinton villagers hope to erect a bust. They are currently fundraising for the £20,000 needed for the project.

In Central Station ASA Scotland Piper Kevin McLean played in memory of Daniel Logan Laidlaw VC as members of the public waited for their trains and four young girls performed Highland dancing. The charity’s president, Baillie William Buchanan, also sang traditional songs.

Piper McLean said: "It was an honour to pipe today in memory of Piper Daniel Laidlaw VC. We truly hope the public enjoyed our display, and we thank the people of Glasgow for their kindness and support."

They raised £1885.30 on the day towards the memorial and people can still donate here.

ASA Scotland secretary and veteran Tommy Davidson said: “This was a very special day. We have now raised over £7000. Our goal is to raise £20,000 to unveil a full-size bust in the small village of Swinton in the Scottish Borders.

"We thank ScotRail, Glasgow Central Station, the people of Glasgow and the travelling public.

“This Scots warrior has been forgotten … until now.”