A BRAVEHEART bagpiper from Greenock has been raising people's spirits during the pandemic by giving their loved ones the send-off they deserve.

Billy McCready, 76, has been piping free of charge as corteges pass a local nursing home, while staff and residents stand outside to pay their respects.

Due to public health restrictions many people couldn't attend funerals, so Billy's performances allowed them to gather for a touching salute on the street.

Jean Watters, a nurse at Glenfield Nursing Home in Bedford Street, wanted to thank Billy, so she invited the Telegraph along as they bid farewell to a much-loved resident, Joan Duffy, on Saturday.

Joan was a member of the voluntary committee team for the Medical Aid Society which runs Glenfield.

Three years ago she was admitted to the home and recently passed away, aged 88.

Jean said: "Joan was such a lovely lady and it has been a pleasure to support her.

"She was very well-liked and will be very much missed.

"We thought it would be nice for Billy to come along as the hearse went past on the way to Greenock Crematorium.

"I feel it was time to recognise the work he has done.

"Bill has played the bagpipes for free as corteges have gone past.

"His late wife Christine was cared for at Glenfield."

Jean says the piping has been of great comfort to the families, who know their loved ones are being remembered.

She said: "Residents and staff who would normally go to funerals weren't able to do so.

"This has helped us to pay our respects and has supported families."

Billy says he is happy to help staff and families and that Glenfield is close to his heart, as his wife Christine was looked after there for a decade before sadly passing away five years ago.

He said: "The Glenfield staff are absolutely outstanding.

"I cannot praise them highly enough.

"It's payback time for me - they looked after my wife so well.

"I used to do anything I could for Glenfield, then a couple of years ago a committee member asked if I could play the pipes when a resident was passing.

"I think it was more important during the pandemic and that was the main reason for it.

"People need a proper send-off and I am sure families appreciate it.

"Staff, friends and neighbours would stand along the route on the way to funerals.

"It gives people a bit of dignity.

"The staff are very supportive at Glenfield and they have a great committee and I was happy to help them."