A CHARITY bagpipe challenge by Inverclyde MSP Stuart McMillan kicked off at Cappielow.

Mr McMillan set off from the home of his beloved Morton early yesterday morning as he bids to perform at all 42 senior Scottish football clubs in aid of the Andy Adams Fund, Clydeside Action on Asbestos and Cash for Kids.

He will do a lap of each pitch while playing the pipes and wearing the colours of all the clubs over five days.

The MSP was half-way towards his £3,000 target before a note had been played and has also gained sponsorship from a number of big companies.

Car dealer Arnold Clark have provided a vehicle for Mr McMillan to travel in while McDonald’s, thanks to Steve Tomlin who owns the Greenock franchise, will feed and water him at restaurants around the country.

Scottish Fire and Rescue have pitched in by providing accommodation at stations nationwide, mobile phone provider EE have given the politician extra data so he can share his journey online, Inverclyde Community Development Trust made special t-shirts and Graphics Forge designed the artwork and logos.

Mr McMillan said: “I’m very appreciative of everyone who has supported me so far and I’m looking forward to the rest of the week.”

He was joined at the launch by his family, MP Ronnie Cowan, Ton chief executive Warren Hawke and his daughter and Andy, his partner and colleagues from Greenock fire station.

To donate visit www.justgiving.com/crowdfunding/pipeathon2017