WATCH: Sound of pipes and applause rings out across the Borders to salute key workers

And for the first time, bagpipers joined in a call to arms too, following in an initiative from the National Piping Centre in Glasgow, to play Scotland the Brave in divided unison.

Thousands of Borderers joined in the national “Clap for our Carers” initiative, now a weekly tribute to NHS and emergency services staff, armed forces members and other key workers who are continuing to work during the Coronavirus lock down.

Dozens of videos have also emerged of pipers striking up to play Scotland the Brave supporting the #NHStheBrave and #PipesUPForKeyWorkers initiatives.

Among them was NHS paramedic Darren Scurfield, from Jedburgh, took time out during his shift on Thursday evening to pipe for his colleagues and those being treated at the Borders General Hospital, from outside the accident and emergency department.

He added:“I suppose being one of the key workers in all this, last night was an opportunity to show my colleagues in the Scottish Ambulance Service and staff at the Borders General Hospital that we’re all in it together and that we appreciate our collective efforts.

“It was a chance to have a wee lighthearted minute in the midst of it all. #NHStheBrave #PipesUpForKeyWorkers

“Thanks to the National Piping Centre in Glasgow for organising the #NHStheBrave and #PipesUpForKeyWorkers effort across the country.”

See all our photos here: https://www.thesouthernreporter.co.uk/news/people/pictures-borderers-and-bagpipers-pay-tribute-our-key-workers-2528442