WITH just one week to go until I set off on my journey around Scotland’s 42 senior football stadiums, the excitement is really building. 

As the Tele has previously reported, I am undertaking a charity Pipeathon over five days, beginning next Monday. 
As the Scottish Parliamentary Piper, I want to use the role to its fullest potential.

All the clubs have been great, with some of the smaller ones having staff take time out of their day to come and open the ground just to let me pipe one lap of their pitch. 

This is all in aid of three very deserving causes, Clydeside Action on Asbestos, the Andy Adams Fund and Cash for Kids. 

I would like to take the opportunity to thank both McDonald’s and Arnold Clark, who have, respectively, provided food for the journey and a car to travel in.

Also, thank you to the Scottish Fire and Rescue Service who are allowing me to say in fire stations overnight along the way. 

I am in a fortunate position being able to undertake such an event. That is why I intend to maximise the amount raised for the three charities. 

At the time of writing this, the Pipeathon 2017 Just Giving page has received £985 towards the target of £3,000. 

On top of that, I intend to raise money at the grounds and by auctioning off the strips the clubs have kindly donated to me.

If you are able to spare even just a small amount of money, you can donate at https://www.justgiving.com/crowdfunding/pipeathon2017