A YOUNG musician has completed a 100-night piping challenge with plans to continue raising funds for Strathcarron Hospice.

Max Rae, a pupil at Dollar Academy, has been seen playing the bagpipes around his Bridge of Allan home and in the Wee County during the lockdown as a way of raising funds for the good cause.

Last week he completed 100 sessions in a row, having started in March, and has so far raised an incredible £9,192 for the hospice.

And while the original challenge is complete, Max is determined to extend the initiative until he secures as much as £12,900 – the running costs of the hospice for a day.

As reported recently in the Advertiser, the challenge has seen the young musician – a member of the world champion Juvenile Pipe Band at the academy – surprise people on their birthdays and outside care homes during the lockdown.

Max, 15, said: "I am thrilled to have completed my 100 nights of piping to raise money for such a worthwhile cause.

"It's been great fun surprising so many people for their birthdays and celebrations.

"I have really missed playing with the band during lockdown, but at least I've had plenty of practice on my pipes for next season.

"I am amazed how much money has been raised and can't thank everyone enough for their kindness and generosity.

"We are keeping the fund open and hope to raise £12,900, which is the cost of running the hospice for a day.

"I am looking forward to piping at other events over the rest of the year to add to the fund."

Recently, Max was seen in Fishcross to surprise Jean and Mac West on their ruby wedding anniversary.

And while usually it has been Max surprising others, the final 100th evening of the challenge saw the tables turn with some of his band mates appearing to give him support

The young talent's efforts have also been highlighted by none other than the world-famous Red Hot Chilli Pipers on their social media pages.

Max's proud father John told the Advertiser: "We are very humbled that so many people have been so kind and generous.

"Some of his friends appeared [on the final night] to just give him some support, which was lovely because they have not been playing together at all for competition.

"He didn't know they were coming so it was a very-very nice gesture for them to do that."

Max's efforts have also caught the eye of Ian Munro, rector at Dollar Academy.

He said: "We are all incredibly proud of Max and his achievements over the last few months.

"Our school values are 'Work Hard, Get Involved and Be Kind' and Max has exemplified all of three of these during his fundraising campaign.

"I look forward to congratulating him in person when we return to school in August."

Visit bit.ly/2Yhs3PE for more details and to donate.