BANDMATES of a hero Greenock soldier paid the biggest tribute to their much-loved comrade - by performing in his home town yesterday.

Members of the Scots Guards Pipes and Drums, resplendent in their distinctive kilted uniforms, held a concert in Clyde Square in memory of Stephen Monkhouse.

Many of Stephen's close friends were unable to attend the 28-year-old's funeral because they were still serving in Afghanistan, and took the first opportunity they could to pay their respects after their comrade was tragically killed saving a wounded colleague on 21 July last year.

A small crowd of family and friends braved the driving wind and rain to listen to the band, who warmed up with the emotional A Scottish Soldier folk song.

The rain cleared and as the 20-strong band took up their position in Clyde Square around 2pm and the sky lightened, encouraging more people to stop and listen, some capturing the emotional moment on their mobile phones.

Every song was met with rapturous applause but the unexpected highlight was when four burly soldiers deftly danced a Highland Fling much to the delight of the cheering crowd.

A rousing rendition of Scotland The Brave ended the set on a high note.

Stephen's mum Linda Watt said she was thrilled to get the chance to meet up with her son's friends.

Linda, 49, of Graham Street, said: "We're really happy they're playing in the town, the band were Stephen's best pals - they were like a family.

"I think it's a fitting tribute to Stephen, it's something they wanted to do - they weren't able to make it to his funeral, so this was their chance to pay their respects.

"They are a great bunch of guys - Stephen will be looking down making sure they are playing properly." Stephen's pal Alan Galbraith, 23, said: "They put on a good show, they did Stephen proud but I couldn't have seen him doing the dancing." They then made a emotional pilgrimage to Knocknairshill Cemetery to play a lament at Stephen's graveside.

Pipe Major Brian Herriot led a tribute at Stephen's final resting place and afterwards told the Telegraph that hisdeath was a huge loss to the band and the Army.

He said: "It was nice to do things like this, especially in Greenock. I told Stephen's parents at the funeral that we would try to get through here and do something for them and the town and that was today.

"It was very emotional at the graveside, we hear of soldiers being killed and injured in Afghanistan all the time but it's not until it's one of your own, it actually makes you understand the reality.

"It's been very difficult, Stephen's death is a huge loss, like losing any member of the band. To us he was a friend and a brother - one of the Pipes and Drums."