TRIBUTES have poured in for the beloved “Killie Piper”, a young Scot who was known throughout his area for his bagpipe playing.
Warren Graham, who passed away aged just 17, was known throughout Kilmarnock for his musical talents.
“You will mostly find me out and about in Killie as my neighbours complained about the noise and I was forced to turn to the streets to play my music,” he wrote on the description on his Facebook page.
That page posted a picture of Warren on Thursday, writing only his name and “04/12/2004 till 25/01/2022”.
More than 1000 people have “reacted” to the post, with hundreds leaving messages of condolences.
“Proud to have known you. Everytime you played your bagpipes you filled our hearts with pride. RIP. From the YES Movement. My condolences to your family [and] friends,” one wrote.
Warren was a "big supporter" of Scottish independence, and many Yessers left tributes to the young piper.
“Very saddened to hear this - such a credit to the Yes Movement and an absolute brilliant piper. A great guy who will never be forgotten. R.I.P. Wee man,” another mourner wrote.
A third added: “Tragic news, a huge loss to his family and friends. I loved to listen to him practice ... rest in eternal peace young man.”
A fundraiser for a funeral to mourn Warren’s passing has also been set up, and has surpassed £2000 in under 24 hours.
It says the money will go towards giving the young Scot “the send off he deserves as he was loved by so many people and he deserves the best”.
Pipe bands also paid their tributes to Warren.
The Kilmarnock Pipe Band wrote on Facebook: “The band have been absolutely devastated by the loss of Oor Warren, The Killie Piper.
“He was one of those special people you meet in life, who had no idea how much of an impact he made on everyone around him. He was super smart and always had a funny quip or cheeky comment to roast the pipe major, bringing joy and laughter to us all.
“He was a big supporter of Scottish independence, Scots Leid and Kilmarnock Football Club, but he was never happier than when playing his bagpipes, and was rarely seen without them.
“The world is a darker place to be missing such an amazing young man and our band will never be the same without him.
“He was and always will be Ayrshire’s Finest. Rest easy buddy, we’ll never forget you.”
And EPIC East Ayrshire Pipe Band Academy wrote: "We have been absolutely devastated by the loss of Warren Graham, the Killie Piper.
"Warren joined EPIC as a trainee instructor last term and was showing great potential as a teacher, as well as being a huge source of inspiration for our young people.
"We were immensely proud of him and the students all really enjoyed his lessons. He will be sorely missed and his loss keenly felt by us all.”
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