A YOUNG piper from Whitecraig is bringing joy to local residents, particularly his gran, with his show of support for key workers during the Covid-19 crisis.

Matthew Sinclair, 20, of Whitecraig Avenue, has been piping through the village every Thursday evening since Clap for Carers started, except once after the death of his paternal grandad David Sinclair, from Linlithgow, on April 16, unrelated to coronavirus.

The most important stop on his weekly route is his maternal gran June Cowan’s house on Deantown Drive.

The 79-year-old, who has lived in Whitecraig all her life, is currently self-isolating and looks forward to the weekly musical treat from her grandson.

Matthew, who works at Topps Tiles at Fort Kinnaird, is a member of Penicuik and Musselburgh Boys Brigade Pipe Band along with his 15-year-old brother Callan. Matthew also plays the bagpipes at the annual Whitecraig Gala Day, which has been cancelled due to the coronavirus pandemic this year.

His mum Lee said: “I’m very proud of him. It’s a great atmosphere here in our village where we all show our appreciation for the NHS and key workers. Matthew starts playing at his home, then continues down Whitecraig Avenue, along Whitecraig Gardens East, then up Deantown Drive to where his gran lives. He stops outside her gate and plays a tune for her, to which she is crying, as she can’t hug him due to her self-isolating.”

Appreciative residents also thanked Matthew for his weekly performance via social media with one saying: “Super Matthew – credit to your mum & dad.”